The X-ray view of Starburst Galaxies and Superwinds

Abstract

Observations at X‐ray wavelengths provide perhaps the best view of the energetic phenomena associated with the development of hot superbubbles and superwind outflows that can occur as a result of starburst activities in galaxies. We discuss recent X‐ray observations of a number of starburst galaxies, both of the dwarf variety and the more massive spiral galaxies, using results from both the Chandra and XMM‐Newton satellites, with an emphasis on the diffuse X‐ray gas that results from the starburst activity. We review evidence that outflows are occurring (or will occur) from a number of nearby dwarf starburst galaxies and that nuclear processed material is being ejected from these galaxies into the surrounding environment. We also report on XMM‐Newton observations of the the M82 superwind and discuss the structures seen in the superwind, and also on a detailed Chandra survey of nearby edge‐on starburst galaxies, which is yielding new insights into the process of feedback from starburst galaxies.