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First Look XMM-Newton EPIC Observations of the Prototypical Starburst Galaxy M82

Ian R. Stevens·Andrew M. Read·Jimena Bravo-Guerrero
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Abstract

We present initial XMM-Newton EPIC observations of the prototypical starburst galaxy M82. The superwind is seen to extend continuously from the starburst region to the X-ray emission associated with the Halpha 'cap'. We also find evidence for a ridge feature, probably associated with the superwind interacting with an HI streamer. Narrow band images, centred on individual X-ray lines, show differences in morphology, with higher energy lines being less spatially extended, and a systematic shift with energy in the region of peak emission. Spectral fits with two thermal and one power-law component provide a good fit to the spectra of the nuclear and inner wind regions, indicating a multiphase superwind. We discuss the implications of these observations on our understanding of superwinds.

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Ian R. Stevens, Andrew M. Read, Jimena Bravo-Guerrero. 2003-06-17. First Look XMM-Newton EPIC Observations of the Prototypical Starburst Galaxy M82. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-8711.2003.06894.x

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