X-ray Properties of the Central kpc of AGN and Starbursts: The Latest News from Chandra

Abstract

The X-ray properties of 15 nearby (v<3,000 km/s) galaxies that possess AGN and/or starbursts are discussed. Two-thirds have nuclear extended emission on scales from ~0.5 to ~1.5 kpc that is either clearly associated with a nuclear outflow or morphologically resembles an outflow. Galaxies that are AGN-dominated tend to have linear structures while starburst-dominated galaxies tend to have plume-like structures. Significant X-ray absorption is present in the starburst regions, indicating that a circumnuclear starburst is sufficient to block an AGN at optical wavelengths. Galaxies with starburst activity possess more X-ray point sources within their central kpc than non-starbursts. Many of these sources are more luminous than typical X-ray binaries. The Chandra results are discussed in terms of the starburst-AGN connection, a revised unified model for AGN, and possible evolutionary scenarios.