CO Observations of the Central Bar of M83

Abstract

CO observations of the nuclear region of the SABc galaxy M83 have been made with the 45-m telescope at NRO. A bar-like elongation of the CO emission along the optical bar and a velocity field which suggests noncircular motions are found. These results are consistent with predictions based on the theoretical model of barred spiral galaxies. The inflow and concentration of molecular gas in the nucleus of M83 may supply raw material which maintains a burst of star formation there.