******************************************************
   PR # 43004
   We propose to obtain an X-ray spectrum of the nearest solar-like star
   $\alpha$ Centauri. Unlike most stars observed by ASCA, which are {\bf
   active} stars, $\alpha$ Centauri is an {\bf inactive} star with a
   corona, similar to that of our Sun..From EUV observations we know the
   presence of iron in ionisation stages up to Fe XVIII in the corona of
   $\alpha$ Centauri. The purpose of the ASCA observations is to detect
   Fe XVII lines, which are very strong in the X-ray band, but weak in
   the EUV band, a
  ******************************************************