Stellar Energy-Loss Rates in a Convergent Theory of Weak and Electromagnetic Interactions

Abstract

The stellar energy-loss rates due to the production of neutrino pairs are calculated in Weinberg's theory of electromagnetic and weak interactions. The ratio of the total rate calculated here to the rate calculated in the ordinary theory of weak interactions is ${10}^{0_{-0.30\mathrm{}}^{+0.93\mathrm{}}}$, where the uncertainty comes entirely from the lack of knowledge of the $W$-meson mass. The ratio of the experimental rate to the rate calculated in the ordinary theory is ${10}^{0\pm 2}$. Thus Weinberg's theory gives numbers well within the experimental limits for all values of the $W$ mass.