Chemistry
How do stars create elements?
Quick fact
Most elements heavier than hydrogen and helium were created inside stars or during stellar explosions.
Why this is interesting
The atoms in your body were created inside ancient stars that existed billions of years ago.
Read the full explanation
Understanding How do stars create elements?
The early universe produced mostly hydrogen and helium. Stars later created heavier elements through nuclear fusion and distributed them through supernova explosions.
A deeper explanation
Element formation, known as nucleosynthesis, connects astronomy and chemistry. Massive stars created elements up to iron, while violent events such as supernovae and neutron star mergers produced many heavier elements including gold and platinum.