Secular evolution in galaxies

Abstract

New observations in favour of a significant role of secular evolution are reviewed: central star formation boosted in pseudo-bulge barred galaxies, relations between bulge and disk, evidence for rejuvenated bulges. Numerical simulations have shown that secular evolution can occur through a cycle of bar formation and destruction, in which the gas plays a major role. Since bars are weakened or destroyed in gaseous disks, the high frequency of bars observed today requires external cold gas accretion, to replenish the disk and allow a new bar formation. The rate of gas accretion from external filaments is compatible with what is observed in cosmological simulations.