Reaction rate of 24Mg(p,γ)25Al Original Research Article

The proton-capture reaction on 24Mg has been investigated in the bombarding energy range of Ep=0.2–1.7 MeV. Resonance properties (strengths, branching ratios and lifetimes) of low-energy resonances have been measured. From the experimental results, accurate proton partial widths, γ-ray partial widths and total widths (Γp, Γγ, and Γ) have been deduced. The present experimental information establishes the 24Mg+p reaction rates over the temperature range T=0.02–2.0 GK with statistical uncertainties of 5% to 21%. Our recommended reaction rates deviate from previous estimates by 18% to 45%. Based on our results, we can rule out the recent suggestion that the total width of the ER=223 keV resonance has a significant influence on the reaction rates. We also discuss several effects that might give rise to systematic uncertainties in the reaction rates. The astrophysical implications for hydrogen burning of 24Mg at low stellar temperatures are presented.