What is stellar nucleosynthesis?

Nucleosynthesis is the process by which atomic nuclei are created from pre-existing nucleons like protons and neutrons. Some of the major types of nucleosynthesis are, Explosive Nucleosynthesis, Stellar Nucleosynthesis, Big Bang Nucleosynthesis, Black Hole Accretion Disk Nucleosynthesis and Cosmic Ray Spallation. Stellar Nucleosynthesis is the term used to denote the nuclear reactions taking place in the stars.

The proton and the neutron of the lighter elements combine to form helium, heat and radiation of the heavier elements. This occurs as the stars explode or die. This idea was first suggested by Arthur Eddington in the 1920s, but the credit is given to Fred Hoyle’s work after the Second World War. Hoyle’s theory differs from the current theory in that he did not believe about the Big Bang theory. It takes about one million years for the helium to burn in order to form the heavier elements.

The helium fuses into carbon through the triple-alpha process to form heavier elements with even number of photons. Lawrence Krauss, a Physicist noted that for corbon to burn and become oxygen, it takes about 100,000 years; for oxygen to burn into silicon it takes approximately 10,000 years and for silicon to burn to iron it takes one day and then the star collapses.

There are people who become confused when they hear the term stellar nucleosynthesis. If this is the first time that you have heard about this, do not worry because you are not alone. Basically, this is the theory wherein there are nuclear fusion reactions that occur from one star to another. This has started happening from the time that the Big Bang occurred according to theory.

This process can be essential in the building of heavier nuclei. The change is necessary in order to keep the different stars thriving. The usual elements that may form when this process happens are the following: carbon, oxygen, helium, sulfur, silicon, and so much more.