Nuclear Astrophysics in Underground: The LUNA experiment

Giorno 19 maggio 2025, con inizio alle ore 15:00, presso la Sala Conferenze del DFA, il Prof. Antonio Caciolli (Università di Padova) terrà un seminario dal titolo Nuclear Astrophysics in Underground: The LUNA experiment.

Modera la Dott.ssa Eulalia Gambera (Dottoranda in Fisica, 40° ciclo).

Il seminario appartiene al ciclo degli Highlights in Frontier Physics, nell'ambito delle attività del Dottorato di ricerca in Fisica.

Tutte le persone interessate sono invitate a partecipare.

Abstract. Nuclear astrophysics is the field of study that explores the nuclear processes governing the evolution of stars and the synthesis of elements in the universe. This talk will delve into the main concepts of cross section measurements for charged particle-induced reactions with direct processes. We will highlight the critical need for conducting these experiments in an underground environment to achieve the necessary precision and sensitivity.
The LUNA (Laboratory for Underground Nuclear Astrophysics) experiment, situated beneath Italy's Gran Sasso mountain, will serve as our primary reference.

Bio. Antonio Caciolli has been conducting nuclear astrophysics experiments since 2007 as part of the LUNA collaboration. He has coordinated numerous reaction studies at the INFN Gran Sasso Laboratory and other experimental facilities across Italy and Europe. Currently, he serves as the coordinator of the LUNA group in Padua. Prof. Caciolli is also dedicated to science dissemination, leading various projects that explain nuclear astrophysics to a wide range of audiences, including people with visual and hearing impairments. His work bridges cutting-edge research with accessible public outreach in physics.