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Published online by Cambridge University Press: 12 April 2016
The Hα brightness distribution of a face-on galaxy is a classical representation of the massive star formation rate per unit surface area. Here, we present a test for the degree of symmetry in this distribution, aimed at deciding whether this parameter shows a significant difference between barred and non-barred galaxies. The test consists in deriving the cross-correlation function of the Hα brightness as a function of curvilinear distance along pairs of opposed arms. In order to use the test, we first apply a geometrical unfolding technique. Here we explain this technique, and present the initial results of applying the test to NGC 157 and NGC 6764.