****************************************************** PR # 12177 We propose a near periastron ASCA observation of the system with the pulsar PSR B1259-63 orbiting around a massive Be companion.We expect unpulsed X-ray emission to be produced at the shock region where the pulsar wind interacts with the Be-star mass outflow.The nature and a- mount of unpulsed shock emission depend on the size of the shock reg- ion, the local magnetic field,and the pulsar wind characteristics.We expect that as the pulsar approaches periastron, the shock radiation flux will increase and be detectable by ASCA;accretion may also occur .We have calculated that the periastron passage will occur on January 9th, 1994. Because of the long orbital period of PSR B1259-63,the sole opportunity for ASCA to observe this system near periastron could be during the AO1 period ******************************************************