A new measurement of the 22Na(p,g)23Mg reaction for astrophysics

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Gamma rays from radioactive 22Na produced in stellar events are a highly sought-after target for space-based astronomy missions. Some models of Classical Novae (accretion in a white-dwarf binary system) predict the creation of prolific amounts of 22Na in the ejecta, leading to a potential observable in the characteristic 1.275 MeV gamma ray emitted. This gamma ray would then be a direct test of nova models, and a powerful tool in gamma-ray astronomy. The model predictions depend on the nuclear reaction-rate libraries for all reaction which produce or destroy 22Na in the stellar environment, the destruction of 22Na via radiative proton-capture, 22Na(p,g)23Mg being one of the most important. The value of this rate having a strong influence on the final amount of synthesized 22Na. Recently a new excited state was discovered in 23Mg which will contribute significantly to the reaction rate. This could alter the model predictions by a large amount.