nucleosynthesis
Stellar element creation
Nucleosynthesis is the process by which atomic nuclei form from simpler particles—protons and neutrons.
Most hydrogen and helium originated in the Big Bang.
Heavier elements form inside stars through fusion, and the heaviest elements emerge from supernovae and neutron star collisions.
Carbon nucleosynthesis occurs in red giants.
Neutron star merger explosion
- heavy elementsHigh atomic number substances
- goldElement seventy-nine
- platinumDense precious silvery metal
- uraniumElement ninety-two
Aged star with cooled, expanded envelope
- main sequenceStable stellar burning phase
- heavy elementsHigh atomic number substances
Joining into unity
- neutronUncharged nuclear particle
- protonPositive nuclear particle
- cross-sectionView through interior
- thermonuclearInvolving nuclear fusion heat
Existing from the start
Lightest noble gas
- carbonSixth element, atomic symbol C
- oxygenElement eight, colorless gas
- ironElement twenty-six
- nitrogenElement seven, colorless gas
neon · silicon · magnesium · sulfur · nickel · calcium · argon · chromium
Exploding massive star
- core collapseStar's center caves inward
- shock wavePropagating pressure disturbance
- radioactive decayUnstable atoms releasing energy
Particles predating our star
- stardustInterstellar particulate matter
- meteoritesExtraterrestrial rocks on Earth
- circumstellarSurrounding a star
- solar nebulaGas cloud forming stars
kilonova
Neutron star merger explosion
- heavy elementsHigh atomic number substances
- goldElement seventy-nine
- platinumDense precious silvery metal
uranium · lanthanides · actinides · gravitational waves · ejecta
red giant
Aged star with cooled, expanded envelope
- main sequenceStable stellar burning phase
- heavy elementsHigh atomic number substances
fusion
Joining into unity
- neutronUncharged nuclear particle
- protonPositive nuclear particle
- cross-sectionView through interior
primordial
Existing from the start
helium
Lightest noble gas
nitrogen · neon · silicon · magnesium · sulfur · nickel · calcium · argon · chromium · cobalt
supernova
Exploding massive star
- core collapseStar's center caves inward
- shock wavePropagating pressure disturbance
- radioactive decayUnstable atoms releasing energy
presolar grains
Particles predating our star
- stardustInterstellar particulate matter
- meteoritesExtraterrestrial rocks on Earth
- circumstellarSurrounding a star
nucleosynthesisnuclear fission
Atomic core division
radioactive decay · nuclear decay · alpha decay · beta decay · fission