******************************************************                         
    PR # 31527                                                                   
     We propose to observe the X-ray luminous radio galaxy 3C109. This sou       
     rce is the 2nd most X-ray luminous radio-loud AGN within z=0.5 and ha       
     s X-ray, optical (polarization) and radio properties extraordinary am       
     ongst radio galaxies. Studies at X-ray (with ROSAT) and optical wavel       
     engths suggest that the galaxy contains an obscured active nucleus, a       
     pparently identical to that of luminous quasars. ASCA observations wi       
     ll permit detailed investigation of the X-ray spectrum of the source.       
      If confirmed, the result on intrinsic absorption in the X-ray spectr       
     um of 3C109 would be a major piece of new, supporting evidence for AG       
     N unification schemes.                                                      
                                                                                 
                                                                                 
  ******************************************************