  We report the detection of massive star formation along a bar in the peculiar
starburst galaxy Mkn 439. We present optical B, R and H_alpha + [NII] emission
line images as well as H band images to show that the signature of the bar
becomes progressively weak at longer wavelengths. Moreover, this bar is
misaligned with the main body of the galaxy. The peak H_alpha emission does not
coincide with the bluest regions seen in the colour maps. We infer that the
starburst is young since the stars in the burst have not started influencing
the light in the near infrared. There are indications of dust in the inner
regions of this galaxy.
