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    PR # 32045                                                                   
     We propose  ASCA observations of Nova Cyg 1992 and Nova Pup 1991, two       
     recent classical novae that were detected by  ROSAT in outburst and         
     displayed a hard component.  The aim will be to understand whether          
     the emission is due to shocked ejecta  or to ongoing accretion onto         
     the white dwarf.  In the first case we expect low plasma temperature        
     (kT$\leq$ 1 KeV) , the spectrum of a chemically enriched medium and         
     possibly a decrease in X-ray flux, while in the second case we would        
     detect unvaried flux and find that the  spectrum indicates a plasma         
     temperature of a few KeV and solar composition.  Both novae are very        
     bright and Cyg 1992 is the best studied nova of all times and               
     wavelengths; ASCA observations would add significant and necessary          
    physical information.                                                        
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