Direct measurement of $^{38}$K$(p,\gamma)^{39}$Ca in inverse kinematics

Sensitivity studies have identified $^{38}$K$(p, \gamma)^{39}$Ca as one of a handful of significant reactions in ONe novae, with the potential to change $^{38}$Ar, $^{39}$K, and $^{40}$Ca abundances in ONe ejecta by factors of $\sim$18, $\sim$17 and $\sim$24, respectively. We have performed the first ever measurement of this reaction using the DRAGON recoil mass separator at TRIUMF. The experiment was performed in inverse kinematics using a beam of radioactive $^{38}$K. To date, this is the most massive projectile ever used in a radiative capture experiment. The astrophysical reaction rate is expected to be dominated by low-$\ell$ resonances inside the Gamow window. Hence we have focused our efforts on the resonances at $E_{\textrm{c.m.}}$ = 386, 515, and 689 keV. In this talk, I will present an overview of the experiment and data analysis and show preliminary resonance strengths (or upper limits) measured at each of the three energies. Finally, I will discuss the astrophysical implications of the measurements as they relate to ONe novae.