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Direct Measurements of {sup 22}Na(p,{gamma}){sup 23}Mg Resonances and Consequences for {sup 22}Na Production in Classical Novae

Journal Article · · Physical Review Letters
; ; ; ; ;  [1]; ; ; ; ; ;  [2]
  1. Department of Physics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195-1560 (United States)
  2. TRIUMF, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 2A3 (Canada)

The radionuclide {sup 22}Na is a potential astronomical observable that is expected to be produced in classical novae in quantities that depend on the thermonuclear rate of the {sup 22}Na(p,{gamma}){sup 23}Mg reaction. We have measured the strengths of low-energy {sup 22}Na(p,{gamma}){sup 23}Mg resonances directly and absolutely using a radioactive {sup 22}Na target. We find the strengths of resonances at E{sub p}=213, 288, 454, and 610 keV to be higher than previous measurements by factors of 2.4-3.2, and we exclude important contributions to the rate from proposed resonances at E{sub p}=198, 209, and 232 keV. The {sup 22}Na abundances expected in the ejecta of classical novae are reduced by a factor of {approx_equal}2.

OSTI ID:
21471029
Journal Information:
Physical Review Letters, Journal Name: Physical Review Letters Journal Issue: 15 Vol. 105; ISSN 0031-9007; ISSN PRLTAO
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English