A barred spiral galaxy is a type of galaxy characterized by a central bar-shaped structure made of stars, which extends from the core and connects to spiral arms. These galaxies often have a beautiful, swirling appearance, with bright regions where new stars are forming. The bar structure helps to funnel gas and dust toward the center, fueling star formation and the growth of the galaxy.
One of the most famous examples of a barred spiral galaxy is the Milky Way, which is home to our solar system. Other notable barred spiral galaxies include NGC 1300 and NGC 1365. Studying these galaxies helps astronomers understand the dynamics of galaxy formation and evolution.