  Soft X-ray absorption and fluorescence measurements are reported for the
K-edge of B in MgB2. The measurements confirm a high density of B
pxy(sigma)-states at the Fermi edge and extending to approximately 0.9 eV above
the edge. A strong resonance is observed in elastic scattering through a
core-exciton derived from out-of-plane pz(pi*)-states. Another strong
resonance, observed in both elastic and inelastic spectra, is identified as a
product of surface boron oxides.
