Why are most of the elements in our bodies made in stars?
Quick Answer
Stars fuse light elements into heavier ones, and exploding stars spread those elements into space. Later generations of stars and planets formed from that enriched material.
The Full Story
The early Universe made mostly hydrogen and helium, with only trace amounts of lithium. Stars then forged heavier elements in their cores through nuclear fusion, producing carbon, oxygen, silicon, and eventually iron in massive stars. Supernovae and stellar winds dispersed those elements into interstellar space. That recycled material later formed planets, rocks, oceans, and living things, which is why people can say we are made of star stuff.
Key Facts
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"Why are you literally made of ancient stars?"
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