Comunicazione
The $^{14}N(p, \gamma)^{15}O$ reaction measurement in the framework of the LUNA-MV project.
Compagnucci A. per la LUNA Collaboration
The $^{14}N(p, \gamma)^{15}O$ is the slowest reaction of the CNO cycle and therefore controls the speed of this process, directly influencing the predicted CNO solar neutrino rates and the lifetime of massive stars. This reaction has been already extensively studied over the years by LUNA (Laboratory for Underground Nuclear Astrophysics) and other groups down to 70 keV. Nonetheless, a renewed measurement over an extensive energy range is still needed to solve the inconsistencies that remain between low-energy measurements and extrapolation from higher-energy data. The LUNA Collaboration will measure $^{14}N(p, \gamma)^{15}O$ excitation function and angular distribution with high-purity germanium detectors as a pilot project of the LUNA-MV program. This will be possible thanks to the capability of a new 3.5 MV underground accelerator facility, currently installed at the Ion Beam Facility of the Gran Sasso National Laboratories (LNGS). The challenges and opportunities displayed by this measurement in the new facility will be presented.