  Ultrahigh energy cosmic rays are the most energetic of any subatomic
particles ever observed in nature. The quest for their mysterious origin is
currently a major scientific challenge. Here we explore the possibility that
these particles originate from nearby starburst galaxies, a scenario that
matches the recent observation by the Telescope Array experiment of a
cosmic-ray hotspot above 57~EeV not far from the direction of the starburst
galaxy M82. Specifically, we study the stochastic propagation in space of
ultrahigh energy cosmic rays through the state-of-the-art simulation framework
CRPropa~3, taking into account all relevant particle interactions as well as
deflections by the intervening magnetic fields. To ensure a comprehensive
understanding of this model, we consider the energy spectrum, the cosmogenic
neutrinos and gamma rays, and the distribution of arrival directions. The
starburst galaxy scenario reproduces well observations from both the Telescope
Array and Pierre Auger Observatories, making it very attractive for explaining
the origin of cosmic rays at the highest energies.
