Nuclear physics determines the properties of a variety of astrophysical events from the relatively constant and unchanging night sky to the cataclysmic explosions that enrich the cosmos with their ashes. Owing to their relatively high frequency (~30 in our Galaxy per year), novae provide a prime opportunity to study nucleosynthesis under extreme conditions. This nucleosynthesis is largely determined by the properties and reactions on proton-rich radioactive nuclei from roughly carbon to calcium. In fact, novae are probably the only explosive astrophysical events for which there is a reasonable opportunity to study all of the reactions of interest within our lifetimes. This talk will explore usage of the radioisotope ¹⁸F to constrain nova nucleosynthesis and the nuclear physics challenges that are involved.

Argonne Physics Division Seminar Schedule