New Stellar Reaction Rate for [TSUP]12[/TSUP]C(α, γ)[TSUP]16[/TSUP]O

The 12C(α, γ)16O reaction rate has been reevaluated using recently published cross section estimates. The results suggest that the temperature dependence of the reaction rate as given by Caughlan & Fowler should be revised, even though the absolute cross section of 12C(α, γ)16O still needs a better determination at low energies. Values for the stellar reaction rate of 12C(α, γ)16O have been calculated for a recommended cross section as well as for the experimental upper and lower limits of the cross section. In addition, analytic expressions for these reaction rates are given for 0.03 ≤ T9 ≤ 2.