Five Stellar Populations in M22 (NGC 6656)

TL;DR

This study reveals multiple stellar populations in the globular cluster M22, showing discrete chemical and dynamical differences, supporting a formation scenario involving a merger of two globular clusters.

Contribution

First detailed photometric analysis of multiple populations in M22, demonstrating chemical, spatial, and kinematic distinctions that support a merger formation model.

Findings

Identification of two main populations with distinct metallicities and subpopulations.

Detection of internal rotation with the second population rotating faster.

Evidence of different radial distributions and helium abundances among subpopulations.

Abstract

We present the Ca-CN-CH photometry of the metal-complex globular cluster (GC) M22 (NGC 6656). Our photometry clearly shows the discrete double CN-CH anticorrelations in M22 red giant branch (RGB) stars, due to the difference in the mean metallicity. The populational number ratio between the two main groups is n(G1):n(G2) = 63:37(+/-3), with the G1 being more metal-poor. Furthermore, the G1 can be divided into two subpopulations with the number ratio of n(CN-w):n(CN-s) = 51:49 (+/-4), while the G2 can be divided into three subpopulations with n(CN-w):n(CN-i):n(CN-s) = 24:32:44 (+/-5). The proper motion of individual stars in the cluster shows an evidence of internal rotation, showing the G2 with a faster rotation, confirming our previous results from radial velocities. The cumulative radial distributions (CRDs) of individual subpopulations are intriguing in the following aspects: (1) In both main groups, the CRDs of the CN-s subpopulations are more centrally concentrated than other subpopulations. (2) The CRDs of the the G1 CN-s and the G2 CN-s are very similar. (3) Likewise, the G1 CN-w and the G2 CN-w and CN-i have almost identical CRDs. We also estimate the relative helium abundance of individual subpopulations by comparing their RGB bump magnitudes, finding that no helium abundance variation can be seen in the G1, while significant helium enhancements by Delta Y = 0.03 ~ 0.07 are required in the G2. Our results support the idea that M22 formed via a merger of two GCs.