Globular cluster star classification: application to M13

TL;DR

This paper introduces a new classification method for globular cluster stars based on Fe, O, Na abundances, applied to M13, revealing O-Na anticorrelation and offering insights into chemical evolution and star classification.

Contribution

A novel classification criterion for globular cluster stars using Fe, O, Na abundances, applied to M13, with potential extension to other elements and clusters.

Findings

O and Na abundance distributions are linearly related within stages.

O-Na anticorrelation observed in M13 stars.

Classification method can be extended to other elements and clusters.

Abstract

Starting from recent determination of Fe, O, Na abundance on a restricted sample (N=67) of halo and thick disk stars, a natural and well motivated selection criterion is defined for the classification of globular cluster stars. An application is performed to M13 using a sample (N=112) for which Fe, O, Na abundance has been recently inferred from observations. A comparison is made between current and earlier M13 star classification. Both O and Na empirical differential abundance distributions are determined for each class and the whole sample (with the addition of Fe in the last case) and compared with their theoretical counterparts due to cosmic scatter obeying a Gaussian distribution whose parameters are inferred from related subsamples. The procedure is repeated with regard to four additional classes according if oxygen and sodium abundance is above (stage CE) or below (stage AF) a selected threshold. Both O and Na empirical differential abundance distributions, related to the whole sample, exhibit a linear fit for AF and CE stage. Within the errors, the oxygen slope for CE stage is equal and opposite in sign with respect of the sodium slope for AF stage, while the contrary holds in dealing with the oxygen slope for AF stage with respect to the sodium slope for CE stage. In the light of simple models of chemical evolution applied to M13, the O-Na anticorrelation and the primordial to current M13 mass ratio are discussed. The proposed classification of globular cluster stars may be extended in a twofold manner, namely to (i) elements other than Na and Fe and (ii) globular clusters other than M13.