Abstract

We show that the direct URCA process can occur in neutron stars if the proton concentration exceeds some critical value in the range 11--15%. The proton concentration, which is determined by the poorly known symmetry energy of matter above nuclear density, exceeds the critical value in many current calculations. If it occurs, the direct URCA process enhances neutrino emission and neutron star cooling rates by a large factor compared to any process considered previously.