Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics – Cosmology and Extragalactic Astrophysics
Scientific paper
2011-11-07
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astrophysics
Cosmology and Extragalactic Astrophysics
17 pages, 10 figures. Accepted for publication in MNRAS
Scientific paper
Double-barred galaxies are common in the local Universe, with approximately one third of barred spirals hosting an smaller, inner bar. Nested bars have been proposed as a mechanism for transporting gas to the very central regions of the galaxy, trigger star formation and contribute to the growth of the bulge. To test this idea, we perform for the first time a detailed analysis of the photometry, kinematics and stellar populations of a double-barred galaxy: NGC 357. We find that this galaxy is either hosting a pseudobulge or a classical bulge together with an inner disc. We compare the relative mean luminosity-weighted age, metallicity and alpha-enhancement between the (pseudo)bulge, inner bar and outer bar, finding that the three structures are nearly coeval and old. Moreover, the bulge and inner bar present the same metallicity and overabundance, whereas the outer bar tends to be less metal-rich and more alpha-enhanced. These results point out that, rather than the classical secular scenario in which gas and star formation play a major role, the redistribution of the existing stars is driving the formation of the inner structures.
Aguerri Alfonso J. L.
Corsini Enrico Maria
de Lorenzo-Cáceres Adriana
Debattista Victor P.
Vazdekis Alexandre
No associations
LandOfFree
Constraining the formation of inner bars. Photometry, kinematics and stellar populations in NGC 357 does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.
If you have personal experience with Constraining the formation of inner bars. Photometry, kinematics and stellar populations in NGC 357, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Constraining the formation of inner bars. Photometry, kinematics and stellar populations in NGC 357 will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-52393