Objective Understanding the internal activity, structure and history of a galaxy is of fundamental importance in astrophysics. Different energy bands (optical, X-ray, radio, IR, UV, etc) probe different processes and different stages of a cycle that links star forma tion and evolution, heating and cooling of gas, creation of compact remnants. Hence, an integrated, multi-wavelength study is necessary to form a complete picture; in particular, X-ray observations are crucial. The new generation of X-ray telescopes (NASA' s Chandra and ESA's XMM-Newton) has now made detailed X-ray studies of nearby galaxies possible. My goal is to achieve a global understanding of the physical processes and star-formation activity in spiral galaxies. I shall study new X-ray data for a sampl e of four, suitably selected nearby spirals, and interpret them in parallel with information at other wavelengths. I shall use the X-ray properties of a galaxy as a tool to understand its global activity. More specifically, I shall determine the age, lumin osity, physical type and variability of the point-like X-ray sources (accreting neutron stars and black holes, supernova remnants, white dwarfs). I shall study the spatial distribution, temperature, metal abundance of the hot gas, comparing it with the dis tribution of the cold and warm gas and of the stars. I shall determine the relation between the observed properties of the X-ray sources and the current and past star-forming activity. I propose to conduct my research at Harvard and University College Lond on, because these institutions offer the best expertise in the analysis of X-ray data, as well as in theoretical astrophysics and multi-wavelength observational astronomy. In addition to the scientific training, I shall form new collaborations in the US, t o the benefit of my scientific and academic career. A strong link between the astrophysics groups at Harvard and UCL will allow a better exploitation of the combined Chandra and XMM-Newton data. Fields of science natural sciencesphysical sciencesastronomystellar astronomyneutron starsnatural sciencesphysical sciencesastronomyastrophysicsblack holesnatural sciencesphysical sciencesastronomyobservational astronomyx-ray astronomynatural sciencesphysical sciencesastronomystellar astronomysupernova Programme(s) FP6-MOBILITY - Human resources and Mobility in the specific programme for research, technological development and demonstration "Structuring the European Research Area" under the Sixth Framework Programme 2002-2006 Topic(s) MOBILITY-2.2 - Marie Curie Outgoing International Fellowships (OIF) Call for proposal FP6-2002-MOBILITY-6 See other projects for this call Funding Scheme OIF - Marie Curie actions-Outgoing International Fellowships Coordinator UNIVERSITY COLLEGE LONDON Address Gower street London United Kingdom See on map EU contribution € 0,00
