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   53018
   The radio galaxy Hercules A (3C 348) is one of the most prominent AGN
   in the sky. Although intensively studied, many of its striking
   characteristics, such as the radio morphology and its environment, are
   still a matter of debate. A ROSAT PSPC observation provides evidence
   for extended, i.e. thermal, X-ray emission components. With this ASCA
   observation we intend to determine accurately the shape of the high
   energy X-ray spectrum of Her A. By doing so we will be able to decide
   whether its X-ray emission is dominated by thermal or nonthermal
   processes. If the indications for thermal emission can be
   substantiated, this would strongly argue for a cluster environment of
   Her A and thus provide clues for our understanding of many of the
   puzzling properties of this peculiar radio galaxy.
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