First-ascent red giants with strong and very strong Li lines have just been discovered in globular clusters. Using the stellar internal prompt 7Li enrichment - mass-loss scenario, we explore the possibility of 7Li enrichment in the interstellar matter of the globular cluster M3 produced by these Li-rich giants. We found that enrichment as large as 70% or more compared to the initial 7Li content of M3 can be obtained during the entire life of this cluster. However, because M3 will cross into the Galactic plane several times, the new 7Li will be very probably removed by ram pressure into the disk. Globular clusters appear then as possible new sources of 7Li in the Galactic disk. It is also suggested that the known Na/A1 variations in stars of globular clusters could be somehow related to the 7Li variations and that the cool bottom process mixing mechanism acting in the case of 7Li could also play a role in the case of Na and A1 surface enrichments.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)L115-L117
JournalAstrophysical Journal
Volume535
Issue number2 PART 2
StatePublished - 1 Jun 2000

    Scopus subject areas

  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
  • Space and Planetary Science

    Research areas

  • Globular clusters: individual (M3), ISM: evolution, Stars: abundances, Stars: mass loss, Stars: Population II

ID: 49049890