Burbidge Report

The Burbidge Report, published in 1957 by astronomers Margaret and Geoffrey Burbidge and colleagues, examined the origins of elements in the universe. It explained that all elements heavier than hydrogen and helium are formed through nuclear processes inside stars. These elements are then dispersed into space when stars die, enriching the universe over time. This work provided a detailed understanding of stellar evolution and nucleosynthesis, shaping modern astrophysics. Essentially, the report clarified how the universe's chemical diversity developed, linking the lifecycle of stars to the formation of planets and life.