Chemistry
How do stars forge elements?
Quick fact
Stars create heavier elements through nuclear fusion in their cores.
Why this is interesting
The atoms that make up planets, oceans, and living things were forged inside stars.
Read the full explanation
Understanding How do stars forge elements?
Hydrogen atoms fuse together inside stars to create helium. As stars evolve, larger stars can create heavier elements such as carbon, oxygen, and iron.
A deeper explanation
Stellar nucleosynthesis is the process responsible for creating many elements in the universe. When massive stars die, supernova explosions spread these elements into space, providing the raw materials for future stars, planets, and life.