Stellar nucleosynthesis

Stellar nucleosynthesis is the collective term for the nuclear reactions taking place in stars to build the nuclei of the heavier elements. (For other such processes, see nucleosynthesis.)

Related Topics:
Nuclear - Star - Elements - Nucleosynthesis

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The processes involved began to be understood early in the 20th century, when it was first realised that the energy released from nuclear reactions accounted for the longevity of the Sun as a source of heat and light. The prime energy producer in the sun is the fusion of hydrogen to helium, which occurs at a minumum temperature of 3 million Kelvin.

Related Topics:
20th century - Energy - Sun - Heat - Light - Fusion - Hydrogen - Helium - Kelvin

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