Abstract
The evolution of celestial bodies is regulated by gravitation and thermonuclear reaction rates, while the Big Bang nucleosynthesis is the result of nuclear processes in a rapidly expanding Universe. The LUNA Collaboration has shown that, by exploiting the ultra low background achievable deep underground, it is possible to study the relevant nuclear processes down to the nucleosynthesis energy inside stars and during the first minutes of Universe. In this paper the main results of LUNA are overviewed, as well as the scientific program the forthcoming 3.5 MV underground accelerator.
Highlights
The synthesis of elements in stars are due to thermonuclear fusion reactions, which start from the most abundant and lightest element, the hydrogen, towards to synthesis of the heaviest elements
In the stellar environment the thermal energy of nuclei is much lower than the Coulomb barrier
The core temperature of the Sun is about 15 · 106 K, corresponding to a Maxwell-Boltzmann energy distribution peaked to about 1 keV, much lower than the 550 keV effective Coulomb barrier for the p + p reaction
Summary
The synthesis of elements in stars are due to thermonuclear fusion reactions, which start from the most abundant and lightest element, the hydrogen, towards to synthesis of the heaviest elements. Nuclear fusion reactions determine the energy production, the neutrino luminosity and the evolution of stars.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
