Tracing star formation in the X-ray: From ULIRGs to dwarf starbursts
Abstract
We have analyzed Chandra observations of the diffuse X-ray emission in 7 dwarf starburst galaxies, 6 starbursts, and 9 ULIRGs. These cover a wide range of X-ray luminosities (5 magnitudes) and star-formation rates. We find a variety of similarities within the sample. The ratio of the thermal X-ray to infrared emission is roughly constant. The X-ray surface brightness also does not vary significantly within the sample. All three galaxy types have enriched α element to Fe abundances and each shows correlations in their Hα and diffuse X-ray emission morphologies. These findings suggest that the same physical mechanism is producing the diffuse X-ray emission in the three galaxy types.
- Publication:
-
Starbursts: From 30 Doradus to Lyman Break Galaxies
- Pub Date:
- May 2005
- Bibcode:
- 2005ASSL..329P..21G