The Luna experiment

Abstract

One of the main ingredients of nuclear astrophysics is the cross section of the thermonuclear reactions which power the stars and synthesize the chemical elements in the Universe. Deep underground in the Gran Sasso Laboratory the cross section of the key reactions of the proton-proton chain and of the Carbon-Nitrogen-Oxygen (CNO) cycle have been measured right down to the energies of astrophysical interest. The main results obtained during the solar phase of LUNA are reviewed before describing the current LUNA program devoted to the study of the nucleosynthesis of the light elements in AGB stars and Classical Novae. Finally, the future of LUNA with the new 3.5 MV accelerator devoted to the study of helium and carbon burning is discussed.