WIREDGOV

Physicists at the University of York have gained exciting new insights into the role massive stars play in the evolution of the Milky Way and the solar system through the study of radioactive aluminium (Al26).

The gas cell target and silicon detector array inside the TUDA scattering chamber at TRIUMF (Credit: Jessica Tomlinson)

Al26 is an element that emits gamma radiation as it decays, and this enables astronomers to image its location in our galaxy through the use of large gamma ray telescopes. It is known for its relatively short lifespan in astrophysical terms, decaying in around 1 million years, compared with the lifetime of massive stars of about 19 years.

Now, in two independent experiments, funded by STFC and carried out at accelerators in Canada and Denmark, the team of researchers have observed and measured, with unprecedented accuracy, the rate at which Al26 is produced through the fusion of helium and sodium, effectively simulating in the laboratory how stars work.

The research, published in Physical Review Letters, provides the most in-depth understanding yet of where and how aluminium is produced within stars and paves the way for more detailed research into how massive stars affect our galaxy and the origins of the solar system.

Read the full University of York press release

Further information:

The two papers published in Physical Review Letters are available to read via the following links:

• Measurement of 23Na(α,p)26Mg at Energies Relevant to 26Al Production in Massive Stars
• 23(α,p)26Mg Reaction Rate at Astrophysically Relevant Energies