Observational Neutrino Astrophysics
- 1 December 1987
- journal article
- research article
- Published by AIP Publishing in Physics Today
- Vol. 40 (12) , 38-42
- https://doi.org/10.1063/1.881092
Abstract
Neutrinos have been an important feature of theories of stellar processes for many decades. As a star forms from interstellar matter, its temperature gradually increases because of its gravitational contraction. However, this thermal energy is not sufficient to make it shine for long. We believe that the primary energy source of the Sun, and of stars in general, is a series of nuclear fusion reactions, occurring deep inside the star, in which energy is released as four protons are converted into a helium nucleus. In the process, two protons are converted into neutrons by each emitting a positron and an electron neutrino. Thus a star must emit electron neutrinos constantly.Keywords
This publication has 2 references indexed in Scilit:
- Observation of a neutrino burst from the supernova SN1987APhysical Review Letters, 1987
- Observation of a neutrino burst in coincidence with supernova 1987A in the Large Magellanic CloudPhysical Review Letters, 1987