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| Paper: |
The Evolution of Barred Galaxies in the Hubble Deep Fields |
| Volume: |
197, XVth IAP Meeting Dynamics of Galaxies: From the Early Universe to the Present |
| Page: |
39 |
| Authors: |
Merrifield, M. R.; Abraham, R. G.; Ellis, R. S.; Tanvir, N. R.; Brinchmann, J. |
| Abstract: |
The frequency of barred spiral galaxies as a function of redshift has important implications for theories of galaxy formation, evolution and structure. In this paper we present a new quantitative method for determining the strength of barred spiral structure. Applying this technique to a complete sample of disk galaxies from the Hubble Deep Fields, we find a significant decline in the barred fraction beyond redshifts of z ~0.6. The physical significance of this effect remains unclear, but several possibilities exist. Whatever the mechanism, it is clear that Hubble's ``tuning fork'' has only acquired its two prongs relatively recently. |
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