X-rays from the Nearby Compact Emission Line Galaxy NGC 2366

TL;DR

This study detects X-ray emission from NGC 2366, linking a compact object to outflow activity that may facilitate Lyman continuum escape, advancing understanding of galaxy feedback mechanisms.

Contribution

First X-ray detection of NGC 2366's outflow region, suggesting accretion onto a compact object powers the outflow in a nearby emission-line galaxy.

Findings

X-ray emission coincides with outflow apex at knot B

X-ray source shows variability indicating accretion

Accretion could drive the galaxy's outflow

Abstract

Luminous, compact emission-line galaxies (LCGs) are the most abundant class of confirmed Lyman continuum (LyC) emitters. An optical integral field study of the nearby LCG NGC 2366 reveals an outflow originating at the star cluster 'knot B' thought to clear a channel via mechanical feedback that enables LyC escape. We observed NGC 2366 with the Chandra X-ray Observatory and detect X-ray emission from a point source coincident with the apex of the outflow at knot B. The point-like nature and variability of the X-ray emission suggests accretion onto a compact object. The accretion could produce sufficient kinetic energy to power the outflow.