Astrophysical gamma-ray lines: a probe of stellar nucleosynthesis and star formation

TL;DR

Astrophysical gamma-ray spectroscopy provides crucial insights into stellar nucleosynthesis and star formation by analyzing gamma-ray emissions from radioactive isotopes and positron sources in the Milky Way.

Contribution

This review highlights the current state of gamma-ray observations related to radioactive isotopes from massive stars and supernovae, emphasizing recent INTEGRAL findings.

Findings

Detection of Ti-44 from CasA and SN1987A

Observation of Al-26 and Fe-60 from massive stars

Discussion of positron sources for Galactic 511 keV emission

Abstract

Astrophysical gamma-ray spectroscopy is a most valuable tool for studying nuclear astrophysics, as well as recent star formation in the Milky Way. After a short, historical, introduction to the field, I present a brief review of the most important current issues. Emphasis is given to radioactivities produced by massive stars and associated supernova explosions, and in particular, those related to observations presently carried out by INTEGRAL: short-lived Ti-44 from CasA and SN1987A and long-lived Al-26 and Fe-60 from massive stars; various candidate sources of positrons for the 511 keV emission of the Galactic bulge are also critically discussed.