  We study HST/NICMOS H-band images of bulges of two equal-sized samples of
early- (T(RC3) < 4) and late-type spiral (mainly Sbc-Sc) galaxies matched in
outer disk axis ratio. We find that bulges of late-type spirals are more
elongated than their counterparts in early-type spirals. Using a KS-test we
find that the two distributions are different at the 98.4% confidence level. We
conclude that the two data sets are different, i.e. late-type galaxies have a
broader ellipticity distribution and contain more elongated features in the
inner regions. We discuss the possibility that these would correspond to bars
at a later evolutionary stage, i.e. secularly evolved bars. Consequent
implications are raised, and we discuss relevant questions regarding the
formation and structure of bulges. Are bulges of early-type and late-type
spirals different? Are their formation scenarios different? Can we talk about
bulges in the same way for different types of galaxies?

Astrophysics