THE X-RAY EMISSION FROM EARLY TYPE GALAXIES

We have systematically investigated the X-ray spectra of normal galaxies, by using the Imaging Proportional Counter (IPC) data in the Einstein data base. We employed the X-ray color-color plot as well as the standard model fitting method which requires higher signal to noise ratio. We discuss X-ray emission mechanisms in terms of their spectral properties and the signature of cooling flows which are most likely present in X-ray bright early type galaxies. On the average, fits to absorbed thermal spectra show that the X-ray emission temperature of spirals is higher than that of ellipticals. This is consistent with our understanding that accreting binaries are a major X-ray source in spirals, while extended gaseous halos are present in ellipticals. The emission temperature becomes lower with increasing X-ray to optical luminosity ratio in E and S0 galaxies. This result is what we would expect if the emission of X-ray faint early type galaxies consists of a large evolved stellar component, while the gaseous emission becomes dominant in X-ray brighter galaxies. We also find a cool, self-absorbed core in some early type galaxies, which directly indicates the presence of cooling flows in such galaxies.