Stellar line-strength indices distribution inside the bar region

Abstract

We present a detailed study of stellar line indices along the bar region for a sample of six early-type galaxies. We find positive gradients within the bar region in the metal indices in four of the six galaxies, and opposite trends in the other two. These latter two galaxies are classified as SAB and they present exponential bar light profiles. For all the galaxies, we find a positive gradient in the Balmer indices. There is a clear correlation between the position of morphological features inside the bar region with changes in the slope and value of the indices, which indicate, using stellar population analysis, changes in the stellar population. Therefore, it seems that the bar regions show a gradient in both age and metallicity, changing radially to younger and more metal rich populations for all the galaxies except for those two with exponential profiles. This is the first time such an analysis of the stellar populations in bars has been performed. The radial distribution of the indices is related to the star formation history of the bar, understanding these trends will help us to understand how bars are formed and how they evolve.