Stellar composition

Stellar composition refers to the elements and materials that make up a star. Stars primarily consist of hydrogen and helium, which are the simplest and most abundant elements in the universe. During a star's life, nuclear fusion occurs in its core, converting hydrogen into helium and releasing energy that powers the star. Heavier elements, like carbon, oxygen, and iron, are created during later stages of a star's evolution or when it explodes as a supernova. Studying a star's composition helps astronomers understand its age, evolution, and the chemical makeup of galaxies.