The X-ray Properties of Local Galaxies: Bridging the Gap to High-z

We propose to observe a representive sample of local starburstgalaxies at Xray wavelengths as part of a multiwavelength campaignto understand starformation and quantify global star formation rates (SFR). Thegoal of these observations is to calibrate the thermal hard Xray emission fromhighmass binaries, an independent SFR indicator free from dust extinction,against other indicators (e.g. radio, FIR, optical, H\\alpha, and UV) and to forma self consistent model of starformation in the local universe. This starformation template will provide the basis for understanding and relating thedeep surveys at Xray, UV, and radio wavelengths that have already beenundertaken or are planned for the near future with {\\it AXAF} and {\\it XMM}. truncated!, Please see actual data for full text [truncated!, Please see actual data for full text]