Direct measurements of the $$^{12}$$C+$$^{12}$$C reactions cross-sections towards astrophysical energies

Abstract Carbon fusion reactions $$^{12}$$ 12 C( C,p) $$^{23}$$ 23 Na and C, $$\alpha $$ ? ) $$^{20}$$ 20 Ne play a key role in the evolution of massive stars explosive scenarios such as type-Ia supernovae super-bursts binary stars. A direct determination their cross sections is extremely challenging discrepancies exist between different data sets literature. Here we report results measurement performed at CIRCE Tandem Accelerator Laboratory Caserta (Italy), using $$\varDelta E-E$$ ? E - detectors for unambiguous charge identification. Cross were measured energy range $$E_{\mathrm{c.m.}} =2.51{-}4.36$$ c . m = 2.51 4.36 MeV with steps 10 25 keV centre mass. To our knowledge these represent finest to date. Results are presented form partial summed astrophysical $${\tilde{S}}$$ S ~ -factors individual proton- -particle channels. Branching ratios groups found vary significantly energy. Angular distributions, albeit limited three angles, also be non-isotropic, which could potential explanation observed among sets. Further efforts ongoing extend measurements lower energies.