Properties of bars in the local universe

TL;DR

This study analyzes the prevalence and characteristics of bars in about 3000 local universe galaxies, revealing correlations with galaxy type, size, and central concentration, but not with local density.

Contribution

It provides a detailed statistical analysis of bar fractions and properties across different galaxy types in a volume-limited sample, highlighting their dependence on host galaxy features.

Findings

45% of galaxies are barred.

Bar strength and length correlate with galaxy size and type.

Bar properties do not depend on local galaxy density.

Abstract

We studied the fraction and properties of bars in a sample of about 3000 galaxies extracted from SDSS-DR5. This represents a volume limited sample with galaxies located between redshift 0.01<z<0.04, absolute magnitude Mr>-20, and inclination i < 60. Interacting galaxies were excluded from the sample. The fraction of barred galaxies in our sample is 45%. We found that 32% of S0s, 55% of early-type spirals, and 52% of late-type spirals are barred galaxies. The bars in S0s galaxies are weaker than those in later-type galaxies. The bar length and galaxy size are correlated, being larger bars located in larger galaxies. Neither the bar strength nor bar length correlate with the local galaxy density. On the contrary, the bar properties correlate with the properties of their host galaxies. Galaxies with higher central light concentration host less and weaker bars.