Abstract
The first nuclei were formed a few minutes after the Big Bang, through the process called Big Bang nucleosynthesis, that left our universe containing about 75% hydrogen, 24% helium by mass, with small traces of other elements such as lithium and the hydrogen isotope deuterium. Heavier nuclei are produced during the different characteristic phases of the star evolution. At astrophysical energies the cross section of nuclear processes is usually extremely small and the cosmogenic background prevents their measurement at stellar energies on Earth surface. Deep underground in the Gran Sasso laboratory, several crucial reactions involved in hydrogen burning has been measured directly at astrophysical energies by the LUNA (Laboratory for Underground Nuclear Astrophysics) Collaboration with both the LUNA-50kV and the LUNA-400kV accelerators. This intense work will continue with the installation of a new LUNA-MV machine able to provide hydrogen, helium and carbon high current beams: the new facility will allow to explore the helium and carbon burning processes, by studying the key reactions shaping the evolution of massive stars towards their final fate. The present contribution is aimed to summarise the most recent results achieved by LUNA Collaboration and to highlight the rich experimental program connected to the new facility.
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