X-rays from superbubbles in the large magellanic cloud. V. The H II complex N11

Mordecai Mark Mac Low, Thomas H. Chang, You Hua Chu, Sean D. Points, R. Chris Smith, Bart P. Wakker

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

The giant H II complex N11 in the Large Magellanic Cloud contains OB associations at several different stages in their life histories. We have obtained ROSAT PSPC and HRI X-ray observations, Curtis Schmidt CCD images, echelle spectra in Hα and [N 11] lines, and IUE interstellar absorption line observations of this region. The central bubble of Nil has an X-ray luminosity a factor of only 3-7 brighter than that predicted for an energy-conserving superbubble, making this the first detection of X-ray emission from a superbubble without a strong X-ray excess. The region N11B contains an extremely young OB association analogous to the central association of the Carina Nebula, apparently still embedded in its natal molecular cloud. We find that NUB emits diffuse X-ray emission, probably powered by stellar winds. Finally, we compare the tight cluster HD 32228 in Nil to R136 in 30 Dor. The latter is a strong X-ray source, while the former is not detected, showing that strong X-ray emission from compact objects is not a universal property of such tight clusters.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)260-273
Number of pages14
JournalAstrophysical Journal
Volume493
Issue number1 PART I
DOIs
StatePublished - 1998

Keywords

  • ISM: bubbles
  • ISM: individual (Nil)
  • Magellanic Clouds
  • X-rays: ISM

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
  • Space and Planetary Science

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