Star Formation in Barred Galaxies

Abstract

Star formation in barred spirals is discussed, including star formation rates, distribution of H ɪ regions, and H ɪ region luminosity functions. In general, global star formation rates and other properties are consistent with non-barred spirals of comparable Hubble class. In barred spirals of intermediate class (SBb-SBc), the effects of the bar on star formation is clearly seen in the distribution of star forming sites. Two patterns emerge, one that shows star formation concentrated in ring-like zones corresponding to inner and nuclear rings (earlier types) and one that shows star formation concentrated in the bar itself (later types). These properties appear to be well-correlated with both Hubble stage and bar type.