Ambiguities in fits to the complex X-ray spectra of starburst galaxies

Spectral fits to X-ray data from both NGC 253 and M82 provide ambiguous results. The so-called best-fit results depend on the instrument with which the data were obtained and, obviously, on the choice of spectral model composition. We show that different spectral models can be fit equally well to BeppoSAX data of both galaxies. Metallicities are unreliable in general, with a strong dependence on the choice of model. Preference to one particular spectral model can be given only by combining spectroscopic and imaging X-ray data from all available satellites (ROSAT, ASCA, and BeppoSAX). Based on spectra of NGC 253, we demonstrate that a model consisting of two or more thermal plasma components plus a hard power-law continuum and Fe Ka line emission can explain all observations. These model components represent the integral spectrum of thermal gas and compact sources in starburst galaxies that are most likely supernova remnants and X-ray binaries. The same model can fit the X-ray data of M82, but there the evidence, from ROSAT imaging, of the existence of compact sources which might represent high-mass X-ray binaries is weaker. This implies that its hard X-ray emission, which is extended in ROSAT images, might-if truly diffuse-be dominated by a very hot (several keV energy) thermal gas component.