THE SPECTROSCOPIC CLASSIFICATION AND EXPLOSION PROPERTIES OF SN 2009nz ASSOCIATED WITH GRB 091127 AT z=0.490

We present spectroscopic observations of GRB 091127 (z = 0.490) at the peak of the putative associated supernova SN2009nz. Subtracting a late-time spectrum of the host galaxy, we isolate the contribution of SN2009nz and uncover broad features typical of nearby gamma-ray-burst-supernovae (GRB-SNe). This establishes unambiguously that GRB 091127 was accompanied by a broad-lined Type Ic SN, and links a cosmological long burst with a standard energy release (E(gamma,iso) approximate to 1.1 x 10(52) erg) to a massive star progenitor. The spectrum of SN 2009nz closely resembles that of SN 2006aj, with SN 2003dh also providing an acceptable match, but has significantly narrower features than SNe 1998bw and 2010bh, indicative of a lower expansion velocity. The photospheric velocity inferred from the Si II lambda 6355 absorption feature, v(ph) approximate to 17,000 km s(-1), is indeed closer to that of SNe 2006aj and 2003dh than to the other GRB-SNe. Combining the measured velocity with the light curve peak brightness and width, we estimate the following nominal (maximal) explosion parameters: M(Ni) approximate to 0.35 (0.6) M(circle dot), E(K) approximate to 2.3 x 10(51) (8.4 x 10(51)) erg, and M(ej) approximate to 1.4 (3.5) M(circle dot), similar to those of SN 2006aj. These properties indicate that SN 2009nz follows a trend of lower M(Ni) for GRB-SNe with lower E(K) and M(ej). Equally important, since GRB 091127 is a typical cosmological burst, the similarity of SN 2009nz to SN 2006aj either casts doubt on the claim that XRF 060218/SN 2006aj was powered by a neutron star or indicates that the nature of the central engine is encoded in the SN properties but not in the prompt emission. Future spectra of GRB-SNe at z greater than or similar to 0.3 will shed light on the full dispersion of SN properties for standard long GRBs, on the relation between SNe associated with sub-energetic and standard GRBs, and on a potential dispersion in the associated SN types.