Recent highlights in nuclear astrophysics

The physical specificities of nuclear astrophysics are presented with the emphasis on reaction rates between charged particles [1]. We briefly describe different models used in this field [2]. The main problems are associated with the low cross sections, owing to the very low stellar energies and/or to the need of radioactive beams. We discuss some recent applications such as 12C(α, γ)16O [3]. Other typical examples of current interest will be presented.(author)