Nuclear astrophysics
Nuclear physics and astronomy are inextricably intertwined. In fact, more than ever, astronomical discoveries are driving the frontiers of nuclear physics while our knowledge of nuclei is driving progress in understanding the universe.
Because of its powerful technical capabilities, FRIB will forge tighter links between the two disciplines. Rare isotopes play a critical role in the evolution of stars and other cosmic phenomena such as novae and supernovae, but up to now the most interesting rare isotopes have been largely out of the reach of terrestrial experiments. FRIB will provide access to most of the rare isotopes important in these astrophysical processes, thus allowing scientists to address questions such as:
- How are the elements from iron to uranium created?
- How do stars explode?
- What is the nature of neutron star matter?
Recent astronomical missions such as the Hubble Space Telescope, Chandra X-ray Observatory, Spitzer Space Telescope, and the Sloan Digital Sky Survey have provided new and detailed information on element synthesis, stellar explosions, and neutron stars over a wide range of wavelengths. However, scientists attempting to interpret these observations have been constrained by the lack of information on the physics of unstable nuclei.
FRIB and future astronomy missions such as the Joint Dark Energy Mission, and the Advanced Compton Telescope will complement each other and provide a potent combination of tools to discover answers to important questions that confront the field.
Source: 2006 brochure from the RIA users community
