Alpha capture for astrophysics: Experiments in Dresden, Munich and Gran Sasso

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New astronomical data have opened the door for great progress in understanding the origin and development of the universe: Microwave observations instigated a precision era of cosmology, and satellite-based 7-ray observations show nucleosynthesis at work in our galaxy. Complementing the breakthrough in astronomy, a similar breakthrough in reach and precision of nuclear data is called for. Based on this data, models of the big bang and of Supernovae can then be verified or falsified by comparing their predictions to observation. The present proposal addresses this need, concentrating on two α-capture reactions where cutting edge underground low level γ-ray spectrometry will provide the necessary information: The 40Ca(α,γ) 44Ti reaction for supernova physics shall be studied in Dresden and Munich. 44Ti samples shall be studied in the Felsenkeller underground facility. The ²H (α,γ) 6Li reaction for big-bang nucleosynthesis shall be studied by in-beam γ-spectrometry at the LUNA facility in Italy. The new data will make new, stringent tests possible for models for Supernovae and for big bang nucleosynthesis.