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K.A. Weaver (NASA/GSFC), T.M. Heckman, D.K. Strickland (Johns Hopkins University), M. Dahlem (Leiden University)
As an example of the recent improvements in X-ray imaging, we present the Chandra image of NGC 253, one of the nearest and most well-studied starburst galaxies. Due to the enormous complexity of NGC 253, the source of its X-ray emission has been difficult to understand with previous X-ray telescopes. In particular, it has not been clear whether the hard X-rays originate from point sources or from diffuse gas in the galaxy disk. For the first time, Chandra reveals the true nature of this galaxy. There are many components to its X-ray emission, and the nuclear regions of the galaxy show a spectacular X-ray morphology connected with the starburst-driven outflow.