THE RR LYRAE POPULATION OF THE GALACTIC BULGE FROM THE MACHO DATABASE- MEAN COLORS AND MAGNITUDES

Mean colors and magnitudes of RR Lyrae stars in 24 fields toward the G alactic bulge from the MACHO database are presented. Accurate mean red denings are computed for these fields on the basis of the mean colors. The distribution along the line of sight of the RR Lyrae population i s examined on the basis of the mean magnitudes, and it is shown that t he bulk of the RR Lyrae population is not barred. Only the RR Lyrae st ars in the inner fields closer to the Galactic center (l < 4 degrees, b > -4 degrees) show evidence for a bar. The red giant clump stars in the MACHO fields, however, clearly show a barred distribution, confirm ing the results of previous studies. Given the different spatial distr ibution, the RR Lyrae stars and the clump giants trace two different p opulations. The RR Lyrae variables would represent the inner extension of the Galactic halo in these fields.