Nova nucleosynthesis calculations: Robust uncertainties, sensitivities, and radioactive ion beam measurements

We examine the quantitative impact of nuclear physics uncertainties on predictions of nova models via Monte Carlo simulations wherein, for the first time, the uncertainties of all relevant nuclear reactions are considered simultaneously. We determine uncertainties in predictions of isotope synthesis - including radioisotopes which may be observable tracers of novae - resulting from uncertainties in the input nuclear physics. We also detail the reaction rate sensitivity of radioisotope production, and discuss reactions which need further study. Finally, we examine the influence on nova nucleosynthesis of two new reaction rates - 17F(p,γ)18Ne and 14O(α,2p)16O - that were studied in recent ORNL measurements with radioactive ion beams