RR Lyrae variables in Galactic globular clusters V. The case of M3 pulsators

We use our synthetic Horizontal Branch (HB) procedure to approach the debated problem concerning the adequacy of canonical HB stellar models to account for the observed peaked distribution of RR Lyrae fundamentalised periods in the globular cluster M3. We find that by assuming a suitable bimodal mass distribution, canonical models account for the observed period distribution. In particular, the best fit model, out of nine random extractions, reaches a 99.9% Kolmogorov-Smirnov (KS) probability. We also attempt a prediction of the relative distribution of variables in fundamental and first overtone pulsators, reaching a rather satisfactory agreement. However, one finds that canonical models outnumber by roughly a factor of two the observed number of red HB stars. Possible solutions for this discrepancy are outlined. Alternative evolutionary scenarios are also briefly discussed.
Accepted for publication in Astronomy & Astrophysics, 6 pages, 4 figures