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   52194
   We propose to obtain ASCA observations of three groups of galaxies
   known to contain a diffuse intra-group medium based on ROSAT PSPC
   observations. These observations will allow us to address the following
   questions: 1) What is the typical temperature and metalicity of the
   intra-group medium in poor groups? 2) What is the origin of the intra-
   group medium? 3) What are the total masses of poor groups? 4) What are
   the baryonic fractions in poor groups?. We have selected three groups,
   which while X-ray bright, are distant enough that they can effectively
   be studied with the SIS in 2-CCD mode.
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