The Besançon Model of Stellar Population Synthesis of the Galaxy

Abstract

We present the most recent developments of the Besançon Galaxy model and results obtained from analysis of near-infrared large scale surveys and a new 3D map of the extinction. Giants are the main tracers and are used to characterized the large scale structures in the outer disc and in the inner regions. The warp has been found to be asymmetric and weaker than the HI warp. In the central region, the dust lanes associated with the bar have been detected, characterized and compared with the dust lanes in CO. The nuclear bar is also detected. An improved model of the bulge/bar has been established and the discovery of an in-plane overdensity which could be interpreted as either a second long thin bar, or a merger residual.