Date/Time
Date(s) - 05/02/2025
10:30 am - 11:30 am

Location
Physics and Astronomy Department

ABB 102

Dr. Melina Avila

Research Scientist
Argonne National Laboratory, Illinois
Profile link: https://www.anl.gov/profile/melina-l-avila-coronado

Title: How Nuclear Physics Sheds Light on Type I X-ray Bursts

Abstract:

Type I X-ray bursts are the most frequent stellar explosions in our Galaxy, arising from thermonuclear ignition of accreted hydrogen and helium on the surfaces of neutron stars in binary systems. These explosive events provide a unique window into the nuclear processes driving the bursts and nucleosynthesis. However, accurately modeling the mechanisms behind these bursts requires precise knowledge of key nuclear reaction rates occurring under extreme stellar conditions. Measuring such reaction rates in the laboratory is challenging due to the small cross sections of these reactions and the complexities associated with low-intensity radioactive beams. As a result, many critical reaction rates remain poorly constrained.
Recent advancements in radioactive ion beam facilities and experimental techniques have created new opportunities to overcome these obstacles, enabling direct measurements of astrophysically significant reactions. This presentation will highlight the latest progress in nuclear physics experiments and explore how these developments are enhancing our understanding of the nuclear processes fueling Type I X-ray bursts.