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   PR # 42109
   Recent HST observations show that only ~20% of LINERs have a
   point-like nuclear UV continuum source indicative of a AGN as the
   origin of the line excitation source in these objects. The remaining
   80% may be highly obscured UV sources, extended starburst regions or
   "fossil" nebulae. We propose to observe with ASCA 3 of the
   "undetected" LINERs whose H(a) flux is similar to that of the
   detected objects to determine whether they have a hard x-ray spectrum
   indicative of the presence of an AGN. ASCA has already shown (e.g.
   M106) that it is capable of detecting AGN with high column densities
   which make them essentially invisible in the UV, optical or soft
   x-ray bands. This unique way of probing beyond the suggested
   obscuring material will help reveal the true nature of LINERs.
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