We summarize and critically evaluate the available data on nuclear fusion cross sections important to energy generation in the Sun and other hydrogen-burning stars and to solar neutrino production. Recommended values and uncertainties are provided for key cross sections, and a recommended spectrum is given for 8 B solar neutrinos. We also discuss opportunities for further increasing the precision of key rates, including new facilities, new experimental techniques, and improvements in theory. This review, which summarizes the conclusions of a workshop held at the Institute for Nuclear Theory, Seattle, in January 2009, is intended as a 10-year update and supplement to Reviews of Modern Physics 70 (1998) 1265.

We review and analyze the available information on the nuclear-fusion cross sections that are most important for solar energy generation and solar neutrino production. We provide best values for the low-energy cross-section factors and, wherever possible, estimates of the uncertainties. We also describe the most important experiments and calculations that are required in order to improve our knowledge of solar fusion rates. [S0034-6861(98)00704-1]

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We report a measurement of a new high spin J π = 5 − state at 22.4(0.2) MeV in 12 C which fits very well to the predicted (ground state) rotational band of an oblate equilateral triangular spinning top with a D 3h symmetry characterized by the sequence 0 + , 2 + , 3 − , 4 ± , 5 − with almost degenerate 4 + and 4 − (parity doublet) states. Such a D 3h symmetry was observed in triatomic molecules and it is observed here for the first time in nuclear physics. We discuss a classification of other rotation-vibration bands in 12 C such as the (0 + ) Hoyle band and the (1 − ) bending mode band and suggest measurements in search of the predicted ("missing") states that may shed new light on clustering in 12 C and light nuclei. In particular the observation (or non-observation) of the predicted ("missing") states in the Hoyle band will allow us to conclude the geometrical arrangement of the three alpha-particle composing the Hoyle state at 7.654 MeV in 12 C.