Published on StarDate Online (https://legacy.stardate.org)

Home > Stellar Onion

Stellar Onion [1]

Shortly before a massive star explodes as a supernova, it consists of a series of layers, like an onion. In this case, each layer consists of a different chemical element, from iron in the core to hydrogen at the surface. The star was born with the hydrogen and helium, but manufactured the other elements through nuclear fusion reactions its its core. When the star explodes, it scatters many of these elements into space, where they can be incorporated into new stars and planets. [NASA/CXRO]

Making Elements IV
Structure of a massive star shortly before it explodes as a supernova
  • About StarDate
  • Underwriting
  • SkyTips Sign-Up
  • Change mailing address
  • Privacy Policy
  • Copyright and Usage
  • Contact

StarDate is brought to you in part through the generous support of our underwriters.
Interested in underwriting? Let us know

 

FacebookTwitterYouTube

©2022 The University of Texas McDonald Observatory


Source URL:https://legacy.stardate.org/astro-guide/gallery/stellar-onion

Links
[1] https://legacy.stardate.org/astro-guide/gallery/stellar-onion