What function is attributed to the central bar structure in Barred Spirals like the Milky Way?
Answer
Efficiently channeling material from outer disk regions inward toward the center
The stellar bar found in barred spiral galaxies, including the Milky Way, is a significant dynamic feature influencing gas flow. It functions as a gravitational funnel or stirrer within the disk. The gravity associated with the bar structure imposes specific torque that acts to redistribute angular momentum among the stars and gas clouds. This dynamic sculpting mechanism organizes the movement, drawing interstellar material, which is the raw fuel for star creation, from the wider reaches of the disk inward toward the galactic center. This organized channeling process affects the locations where new stars subsequently form.
Related Questions
What specific classification is the Milky Way galaxy given in the Hubble scheme?How are Elliptical galaxies classified based on their apparent flatness?What causes the ongoing star formation in Spiral galaxy arms?What characterizes the stellar population and resulting hue of Elliptical galaxies?What is the most common reason for a galaxy developing an Irregular shape?What function is attributed to the central bar structure in Barred Spirals like the Milky Way?Which three main components make up a typical Spiral galaxy structure?What morphology is predicted for the resulting galaxy after the Milky Way and Andromeda merge?Where is the Solar System located within the Milky Way's disk structure?What key compositional element is notably lacking in Elliptical galaxies compared to Spirals?