Explosive nucleosynthesis

Abstract

Many radioactive nuclei relevant for gamma-ray astrophysics are synthesized during explosive events, such as classical novae and supernovae. A review of recent results of explosive nucleosynthesis in these scenarios is presented, with a special emphasis on the ensuing gamma-ray emission from individual nova and supernova explosions. The influence of the dynamic properties of the ejecta on the gamma-ray emission features, as well as the still remaining uncertainties in nova and supernova models is also reviewed.

Invited paper at the 4th INTEGRAL Workshop, 4-8 September 2000, Alicante (Spain). To be published in the ESA-SP series : 10 pages, no figures