A Double Main Sequence in the Globular Cluster NGC 6397

A. P. Milone, A. F. Marino, G. Piotto, L. R. Bedin, J. Anderson, A. Aparicio, S. Cassisi, R. M. Rich

Published 2011-10-05Version 1

High-precision multi-band HST photometry reveals that the main sequence (MS) of the globular cluster NGC 6397 splits into two components, containing ~30% and ~70% of the stars. This double sequence is consistent with the idea that the cluster hosts two stellar populations: (i) a primordial population that has a composition similar to field stars, and containing ~30% of the stars, and (ii) a second generation with enhanced sodium and nitrogen, depleted carbon and oxygen, and a slightly enhanced helium abundance (Delta Y~0.01). We examine the color difference between the two sequences across a variety of color baselines and find that the second sequence is anomalously faint in m_F336W. Theoretical isochrones indicate that this could be due to NH depletion.