Analysis of $^{26}$Al + p elastic and inelastic scattering reactions in inverse kinematics at the HRIBF

It is unknown to what degree novae contribute to the abundance of $^{26}$Al in the Galaxy. Destruction through the $^{26}$Al(p,$\gamma )^{27}$Si reaction may reduce the nova contribution, but uncertainties in the properties of $^{27}$Si levels above the proton threshold limit reaction rate estimates. Inelastic proton scattering in these environments may also reduce the net production of $^{26}$Al. To constrain estimates of the degree of $^{26}$Al destruction in novae, the $^{26}$Al + p elastic and inelastic reactions were investigated in inverse kinematics (E$_{c.m.}$= 0.5-1.5 MeV) at the HRIBF. The experiment and results of the analysis will be discussed.