Gamma Rays from Large-Scale Outflows in Starburst Galaxies

TL;DR

This paper investigates gamma-ray emission from large-scale galactic outflows in starburst galaxies, focusing on cosmic ray production and shock interactions driven by superwinds.

Contribution

It provides new estimates of cosmic ray generation and gamma-ray emission associated with superwinds and bow shocks in starburst galaxies.

Findings

Cosmic rays are significantly produced in superwinds.

Gamma-ray emission is detectable from bow shocks around clouds.

Superwinds contribute to intergalactic cosmic ray transport.

Abstract

The combined effects of supernova explosions and stellar winds produce a hot bubble in the central regions of starburst galaxies. As the bubble expands, it can outbreak into the galactic halo driving a superwind that transports hot gas and fields to the intergalactic space. We present estimates of cosmic ray generation and gamma-ray emission in both this large-scale wind and the bow shocks created around the embedded clouds.