Level structure of 30S: Implications for the astrophysical 29P(p, γ)>)30S reaction rate in ONe novae and x-ray bursts.

A y-ray spectroscopy study of 30S is presented. Excitation energies have been determined with improved precision over previous studies and firm spin-parity assignments have been made for key 29P + p resonant states. An evaluation of the 29P(p, y)30S reaction for T = 0.08-2.5 GK shows that the 3+ and 2+ resonant states located at Er = 289(3) and 410(3) keV, respectively, dominate the 29P(p, y)30S reaction rate in ONe novae, while the 410-keV resonance is expected to govern the rate in x-ray burster environments. These new, precise resonance energy measurements and firm spin-parity assignments have significantly reduced uncertainties in the 29P(p, y )30S reaction in ONe novae and x-ray bursts. In particular, the reaction rate is now specified precisely enough for calculations of isotopic abundances in ONe novae ejecta. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]