CN abundances of the 47 Tuc main sequence

We find a significant bimodal distribution in the S(3839) index for main-sequence stars in the mass range ~0.85 to 0.65M_{sun}_, or from the main-sequence turnoff down to ~2.5 mag below the main-sequence turnoff. An anticorrelation 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.