Stellar Nucleosynthesis
The collective nuclear fusion reactions inside stars that synthesize heavier chemical elements from lighter primordial hydrogen and helium.
Governing formula
3 α → ¹²C (Triple-Alpha Process at T ~ 10⁸ K)
SI unit
Nuclear Energy & Abundances
In depth
Includes the proton-proton chain and CNO cycle (hydrogen to helium), triple-alpha process (helium to carbon), carbon/oxygen/silicon burning (up to iron), and s-process/r-process neutron capture forging elements heavier than iron during supernovae.
Examples in the real world
Supernovae r-process neutron capture creating heavy elements like gold, platinum, and uranium.