Abstract
The 29P(p,gamma)30S rate affects interpretation of nova Si abundances, which have been precisely
measured in presolar grains. The rate is thought to be dominated by previously unobserved 3+ and
2+ resonances above the 30S proton threshold at 4400 keV. To better understand the 29P(p,gamma)30S
rate, we have studied the 30S nucleus with the 32S(p,t)30S reaction. We have observed 13 30S levels
- 9 of which are above the proton threshold including a level at 4704 keV that is a candidate to
be the important 3+ resonance. From the observed triton angular distributions, we additionally
constrain the spins of several levels. Using our updated information, we estimate the 29P(p,gamma)30S
reaction rate is approximately six times larger at nova temperatures than previously thought.
