Randall Cooper: The 12C + 12C Reaction Rate and Superburst Ignition

Thermal properties of crust  and core sets ocean temperature and thereby the superburst ignition depth, so superbursts are probes of NS interiors.  But there is a problem......observationally inferred ignition depths are shallower than all theoretical superburst models predict (in models ocean is too cold)

Randy's proposed solution: 12C +12C rate is unmeasured at relevant energies and the rate used in models assumes reaction rate is nonresonant.  But, 12C + 12C rate may be much higher if a resonance exists......if a resonance exists observations agree with a range of NS models.

Randy's task for nuclear experimentalists - measure 12C + 12C reaction rate at astrophysically relevant energy.

Ed Brown relayed a new experimental result from the CLAUS2009 workshop.....recent experimental efforts suggest a large resonance.