Effect of superstrong magnetic fields on thermonuclear reaction rates on the surface of magnetars

A simple and efficient screening model for studying the effects ofsuperstrong magnetic fields (such as those of magnetars) onthermonuclear reaction rates on magnetar surfaces is proposed inthis paper. The most interesting thermonuclear reactions, includinghydrogen burning by the CNO cycle and helium burning by the triplealpha reaction, are investigated on the surface of magnetars. Wefind that the superstrong magnetic fields can increase thethermonuclear reaction rates by many orders of magnitude. Theenhancement may have a dramatic effect on the thermonuclear runawaysand bursts on the surfaces of magnetars.