We report on a deep spectroscopic survey for star-to-star CN variations along the main sequence (MS) of the globular cluster 47 Tuc with ESO's Very Large Telescope. 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.

Cone search capability for table J/AJ/125/197/table1 (Data for Program Stars)