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    PR # 32118                                                                   
     The relatively unstudied, evolved SNR PKS 1209-52 (G296.5+10.0) has         
     an X-ray morphology and spectrum remarkably similar to the Cygnus           
     Loop. But unlike the Cygnus Loop, it has virtually no optical               
     filaments, and might contain a stellar remnant. The lack of filaments       
     might be due to the SNR being at an earlier stage of interaction with       
     the boundary of the cavity in which it exploded. We propose a SIS           
     observation of one location along the shell not covered by other ASCA       
     pointings, where the PSPC reveals spectral variations.  In                  
     conjunction with new narrow band optical images and ROSAT data, we          
     will characterize the conditions in the X-ray emitting gas:                 
     temperature, relative abundances, degree of departure from ionization       
    equilibrium, and whether elect                                               
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