Electron capture in stars

Electron captures on nuclei play an essential role for the dynamics of several astrophysical objects. The capture rate can be derived in perturbation theory where allowed nuclear transitions (Gamow-Teller transitions) dominate, except at higher temperatures achieved core-collapse supernovae also forbidden contribute significantly to rates. There has been decisive progress recent years measuring Gamow-Teller (GT) strength distributions using novel experimental techniques based charge-exchange reactions. These measurements provide not only data GT ground states many relevant nuclei, but serve as valuable constraints models which are needed derive rates no exist yet. In particular evaluate stellar finite temperatures, occur excited states. significant modelling This made possible by advances many-body well computer soft- and hardware. Specifically reliable a dedicated strategy developed hierarchy specifically adapted abundant astrophysically conditions present various collapse conditions. manuscript reviews theoretical recently deriving electron It discusses impact these improved have (Abridged)