What is the process of stellar nucleosynthesis?

Stellar nucleosynthesis is the process by which stars create new elements through nuclear fusion.

During the early stages of a star's life, hydrogen atoms in its core undergo fusion to form helium. This process releases a tremendous amount of energy, which keeps the star from collapsing under its own gravity. As the star ages and its core runs out of hydrogen, it begins to fuse helium into heavier elements like carbon and oxygen.

In stars with masses greater than about eight times that of the sun, the fusion process continues until the core is composed of iron. At this point, fusion can no longer release energy, and the core collapses under its own weight. This collapse triggers a supernova explosion, which releases huge amounts of energy and creates even heavier elements like gold and uranium.

The elements created through stellar nucleosynthesis are dispersed into space when the star eventually dies. These elements then become the building blocks for new stars and planets. Without stellar nucleosynthesis, the universe would be composed almost entirely of hydrogen and helium, and life as we know it would not be possible.