WIYN Open Cluster Study, LXXVI. Li Evolution Among Stars of Low/Intermediate Mass: The Metal-Deficient Open Cluster, NGC 2506

TL;DR

This study analyzes lithium evolution in stars of the open cluster NGC 2506, revealing how lithium abundance declines from the turnoff to the giant branch and confirming models of stellar mixing processes.

Contribution

It provides detailed lithium abundance measurements across different stellar evolutionary stages in a metal-deficient open cluster, supporting models of rotation-induced mixing and stellar evolution.

Findings

Li abundance remains constant in the giant phase.

Clear decline of Li from turnoff to giant branch.

Agreement with stellar mixing models.

Abstract

HYDRA spectra of 287 stars in the field of NGC 2506 from the turnoff through the giant branch are analyzed. With previous data, 22 are identified as probable binaries; 90 more are classified as potential non-members. Spectroscopic analyses of ~60 red giants and slowly rotating turnoff stars using line equivalent widths and a neural network approach lead to [Fe/H] = -0.27 +/- 0.07 (s.d.) and [Fe/H] = -0.27 +/- 0.06 (s.d.), respectively. Li abundances are derived for 145 probable single-star members, 44 being upper limits. Among turnoff stars outside the Li-dip, A(Li) = 3.04 +/- 0.16 (s.d.), with no trend with color, luminosity, or rotation speed. Evolving from the turnoff across the subgiant branch, there is a well-delineated decline to A(Li) ~1.25 at the giant branch base, coupled with the rotational spindown from between ~20 and 70 km/s to less than 20 km/s for stars entering the subgiant branch and beyond. A(Li) remains effectively constant from the giant branch base to the red giant clump level. A new member above the clump redefines the path of the first-ascent red giant branch; its Li is 0.6 dex below the first-ascent red giants. With one exception, all post-He-flash stars have upper limits to A(Li), at or below the level of the brightest first-ascent red giant. The patterns are in excellent qualitative agreement with the model predictions for low/intermediate-mass stars which undergo rotation-induced mixing at the turnoff and subgiant branch, first dredge-up, and thermohaline mixing beyond the red giant bump.