Rosat and BATSE observations of GRS 1915+105

The determination of an accurate X-ray position of GRS 1915+1405, using a target of opportunity Rosat HRI (High Resolution Imager) observation in Oct. 1992, which allowed deep optical follow up studies, is reported. A spectral fit to Rosat PSPC (Position Sensitive Proportional Counter) and BATSE (Gamma Ray Burst (GRB) instrument team for the Compton Gamma Ray Observatory) observations in Oct. 1992 reveal a steep spectrum with power law index alpha = -3 between 0.5 and 300 keV. The soft X-rays are strongly absorbed (N(sub H) = 5 x 10(exp 22)/sq cm) suggesting a distance to GRS 1915+105 of the order of 8 kpc. Possible explanations of the source nature are discussed together with the peculiar light curve at hard X-rays.