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Explosive lithium production in the classical nova V339 Del (Nova Delphini 2013)
Akito Tajitsu1, Kozo Sadakane2, Hiroyuki Naito3
1Subaru Telescope, National Astronomical Observatory of Japan, 650 North A'ohoku Place, Hilo, Hawaii 96720, USA.
Nature
|February 20, 2015
Summary
Scientists detected beryllium-7 (7Be) in a nova, which decays into lithium-7 (7Li). This provides direct evidence that novae produce significant amounts of lithium, a long-standing question in astrophysics.
Area of Science:
- * Astrophysics
- * Nuclear Astrophysics
- * Stellar Evolution
Background:
- * The origin of lithium (Li) and its production mechanisms remain uncertain.
- * Existing models suggest contributions from Big Bang nucleosynthesis, cosmic rays, evolved stars, novae, and supernovae.
- * Previous research indicated significant lithium production in red giants, asymptotic giant branch (AGB) stars, and novae, but direct observational evidence was lacking.
Purpose of the Study:
- * To investigate the production of lithium in classical nova explosions.
- * To provide direct observational evidence for the supply of lithium from stellar objects to the interstellar medium.
Main Methods:
- * Spectral analysis of the classical nova V339 Delphini (Nova Delphini 2013) using near-ultraviolet observations.
- * Detection of highly blue-shifted resonance lines of the radioactive isotope beryllium-7 (7Be).
Main Results:
- * Detection of singly ionized beryllium-7 (7Be) in the spectra of Nova Delphini 2013, 38 to 48 days post-explosion.
- * Beryllium-7 (7Be) was formed via the alpha-capture reaction (3He(α,γ)7Be) during the nova outburst.
- * Beryllium-7 (7Be) decays to lithium-7 (7Li) with a half-life of 53.22 days.
Conclusions:
- * The detection of 7Be in a classical nova provides direct evidence for lithium production in these events.
- * This finding supports theoretical predictions that novae are a significant source of Galactic lithium.
- * The study addresses a key question in stellar nucleosynthesis and chemical evolution.
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