ROSAT OBSERVATIONS OF VRO 42.05.01

We present the first X-ray images and spectra of the unusual supernova remnant VRO 42.05.01, based on a 22,680 s observation of the remnant with the ROSAT PSPC. The overall shape of the X-ray remnant is similar to that of the radio remnant, but the X-ray morphology differs from t he radio morphology in that the X-ray emission is not edge-brightened. The X-ray data are consistent with an isothermal remnant with variati ons in absorbing column density across the remnant that probably accou nt for some of the observed structure. The remnant has an X-ray temper ature of similar to 8.5 x 10(6) K and an absorbing column of a few tim es 10(21) cm(-2). This absorbing column is surprisingly small for the nominal distance of 5 kpc, and requires a low mean density along this line of sight.