CURRENT QUESTS IN NUCLEAR ASTROPHYSICS AND EXPERIMENTAL APPROACHES

This review summarizes current problems and questions in experimental nuclear astrophysics. It focuses on the present need for experimental data, emphasizing novel methods and approaches. Starting with an overview on nuclear energy generation and nucleosynthesis in an astrophysical plasma, the discussion concentrates on crucial problems related to the various aspects of stellar evolution, from the hydrostatic stage through the advanced burning scenarios up to and including the supernova explosion mechanism. Innovative experimental approaches are needed to pursue the associated questions in stellar nucleosynthesis. Particular emphasis is given to the potential use of radioactive ion beams and their importance for characterizing explosive nucleosynthesis in X-ray bursts and supernovae.