X-ray observations of the starburst galaxy M82

Journal Article · Sat Dec 31 23:00:00 EST 1988 · Astrophys. J.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1086/167045· OSTI ID:6145578

Schaaf, R; Pietsch, W; Biermann, P L; Kronberg, P P; Schmutzler, T

Long X-ray observations of the starburst galaxy M82 with the European X-ray satellite EXOSAT are reported. The observations with the low-energy imaging instrument confirm that there is extended X-ray emission from above and below the disk, with an overall extent perpendicular to the disk of almost 6 arcmin corresponding to 6 kpc. One of the best defined X-ray spectra yet of a starburst galaxy is presented. The medium energy instrument measurements can be fitted with a power-law spectrum, consistent with inverse Compton emission, or with thermal emission from optically thin hot gas of a temperature of 9 + 9 or -4 keV. Using, in addition, the earlier Einstein HRI and MPC observations, the possible origin of the X-ray emission is discussed. 31 references.

• Research Organization: Max-Planck-Institut fuer Radioastronomie (Germany, F.R.); Max-Planck-Institut fuer Physik und Astrophysik, Garching (Germany, F.R.); Max-Planck-Institut fuer Radioastronomie, Bonn (Germany, F.R.); Toronto Univ. (Canada); Max-Planck-Institut fuer Kernphysik, Heidelberg (Germany, F.R.)
• OSTI ID: 6145578
• Journal Information: Astrophys. J.; (United States), Journal Name: Astrophys. J.; (United States) Vol. 336; ISSN ASJOA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

640105* -- Astrophysics & Cosmology-- Galaxies
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
BASIC INTERACTIONS
COMPTON EFFECT
COSMIC RADIO SOURCES
ELASTIC SCATTERING
ELECTROMAGNETIC INTERACTIONS
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
EMISSION SPECTRA
GALAXIES
INTERACTIONS
ORIGIN
RADIATIONS
SCATTERING
SPECTRA
STAR EVOLUTION
SUPERNOVA REMNANTS
THERMAL RADIATION
X-RAY SPECTRA