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   PR # 12114
      We propose to observe the hot x-ray corona of the early-type galaxy
    NGC5846 to measure the elemental abundances in the hot gas.  The goal
    of our investigation is to determine the importance of different
    supernova types (type Ia vs. the SN of massive stars) for the enrich-
    ment of the hot corona by measuring the relative abundances of
    various elements and comparing these to the predicted enrichment from
    the different types of supernovae. The proposed measurements will
    provide information on the initial stellar mass function as well as
    the supernova rates.  Its proximity, location outside a cluster, high
    x-ray flux, and relatively cool gas temperature make NGC5846 the best
    galaxy for this study.

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