Publication Date

2002

Journal or Book Title

ASTROPHYSICAL JOURNAL

Abstract

Using data from the Two Micron All Sky Survey, we identify a population of infrared carbon stars with J-KS ≥ 2 in the Milky Way. These stars are shown to trace the stellar bar previously identified in IR and optical surveys. The properties of C stars strongly suggest that they are of intermediate age. We conclude that the bar is likely to have formed more recently than 3 Gyr ago and must be younger than 6 Gyr. Implications and further tests of this conclusion are briefly discussed.

Comments

This is a pre-published version which is collected from arXiv link. The published version is at http://iopscience.iop.org/1538-4357/574/1/L43?fromSearchPage=true

DOI

https://doi.org/10.1086/342278

Pages

L43-L46

Volume

574

Issue

1

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