Towards a study of 22Ne(pγ)23Na at LUNA

The 22Ne(p,γ)23Na reaction is involved in the NeNa cycle of hydrogen burning. This cycle plays an important role for nucleosynthesis in the Red Giant Branch and Asymptotic Giant Branch phases of stellar evolution, as well as in classical novae and type Ia supernovae explosions. The 22Ne(p,γ)23Na reaction rate is highly uncertain because of a large number of resonances lying in the energy region of the Gamow peak. Several of these resonances have never been studied in either direct or indirect experiments, and only upper limits exist for their strengths. A measurement of the 2Ne(p,γ)23Na cross section is on-going at the Laboratory for Underground Nuclear Astrophysics (LUNA) in Gran Sasso. With the LUNA setup, it will be possible to study the 22Ne+p reaction inside the Gamow window. The results of a feasibility test, as well as the measurement strategy and the setup for the first experimental campaign are discussed.