arXiv · astro-ph/0210364
CN abundance variations on the main sequence of 47 Tuc
Abstract
We report on a deep spectroscopic survey for star-to-star CN variations along the main sequence (MS) of the globular cluster 47 Tuc with ESO's VLT. We find a significant bimodal distribution in the S(3839) index for main-sequence stars in the mass range of ~0.85 to 0.65 M_sun, or from the main-sequence turn-off down to ~2.5 mag below the main sequence turn-off. An anti-correlation of CN and CH is evident on the MS. The result is discussed in the context of the ability of faint MS stars to alter their surface composition through internal evolutionary effects. We argue against internal stellar evolution as the only origin for the abundance spread in 47 Tuc; an external origin such as pollution seems to be more likely.
Explore related subjects
Keep this discovery
Explore connections, maps & timelines
Daniel Harbeck, Graeme H. Smith, Eva K. Grebel. 2002-10-16. CN abundance variations on the main sequence of 47 Tuc. https://doi.org/10.1086/345570
Cite the original work for its findings. Save a collection to share your selection of sources.