X-ray spectra and large-scale features of two starburst galaxies - NGC 253 and M82

Journal Article · Fri Jul 01 04:00:00 EDT 1988 · Astrophys. J.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1086/166503· OSTI ID:7088748

Fabbiano, G

The results of Einstein Observatory IPC X-ray observations of the well-known nearby starburst galaxies NGC 253 and M82 are presented. The major axis X-ray surface brightness profile of NGC 253 is steeper than the optical profile, but follows the radio continuum distribution closely. Extended X-ray emission with no optical or radio counterpart is found on the northern side of this galaxy. It is suggested that this emission may be due to gaseous clouds ejected from the starburst nucleus. The X-ray halo of M82 extends as far as 9 arcmin away from the nucleus along the minor axis. The radial distribution of the X-ray surface brightness of this halo is steep and suggests a density distribution proportional to 1/r-squared, typical of free-flowing winds. The spectral properties of the nuclear regions are different from those of the surrounding emission. They are fitted with large intrinsic absorption columns and possibly lower emission temperatures. 48 references.

• Research Organization: Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, Cambridge, MA (USA)
• OSTI ID: 7088748
• Journal Information: Astrophys. J.; (United States), Journal Name: Astrophys. J.; (United States) Vol. 330; ISSN ASJOA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

640105* -- Astrophysics & Cosmology-- Galaxies
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
COSMIC GASES
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
FLUIDS
GALAXIES
GALAXY NUCLEI
GASES
MEASURING INSTRUMENTS
MORPHOLOGY
PROPORTIONAL COUNTERS
RADIATION DETECTORS
RADIATIONS
RADIOWAVE RADIATION
SPECTRA
STAR EVOLUTION
VISIBLE RADIATION
X-RAY SPECTRA