CuriosityHe core

If ²²Ne(α,γ)²⁶Mg were twice as fast, this model of a massive star's helium core would end up with about two fifths less strontium‑88 (−42%).

Biggest knock-on effect: ⁸⁶Sr (−43%).

This rival burns neon‑22 without freeing a neutron, so fewer neutrons reach the iron.

One-zone model at 250 MK over 83 000 years. Real stars adjust. For this site the sizes are upper limits: read the direction of the change. Doubling is a what-if, not the rate's actual uncertainty. How well this rate is known: uncertain.

Try it How we know this rate

If 22Ne(α,γ)26Mg were twice as fast, this model of a massive star's helium core would end up with about two fifths less strontium‑88 (−42%).

If ²²Ne(α,γ)²⁶Mg were twice as fast, this model of a massive star's helium core would end up with about two fifths less strontium‑88 (−42%).