2) Nuclear Astrophysics in an Underground Laboratory

Almost 20 years ago, a new experimental approach for the study of nuclear fusion reactions based on an underground accelerator laboratory, called LUNA (Laboratory for Underground Nuclear Astrophysics), was initiated at the Gran Sasso underground laboratory in Italy. The work of LUNA demonstrated the research potential of such a facility. Several key reactions outlined in the first lecture of the series could be studied, some directly at the Gamow peak for solar hydrogen burning. Presently, there exist proposals for new underground laboratories dedicated to nuclear astrophysics such as in England, Spain, Romania, Germany, and USA. In such new facilities the present limitations at can be overcome and stellar burning phases different from hydrogen burning might become accessible.