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The timeline of events from the Big Bang to stellar nucleosynthesis is a fascinating journey that spans billions of

years. Here's a brief overview:


1. Big Bang (13.8 billion years ago):
The universe begins with a rapid expansion from an extremely hot and dense state. Matter and energy are created in the process.
2. Formation of the first atoms (380,000 years after the Big Bang):
As the universe expands and cools down, protons and neutrons combine to form the first hydrogen and helium atoms.
3. Formation of galaxies and stars (a few hundred million years after the Big Bang):
Gravity causes matter to clump together, leading to the formation of galaxies. Within these galaxies, dense regions of gas and
dust collapse under their own gravity to form stars.
4. Stellar evolution:
Stars go through various stages of evolution based on their mass. They start as protostars, which gradually contract and become
main-sequence stars. The main sequence is the longest phase in a star's life, during which it fuses hydrogen into helium in its core,
releasing energy.
5. Stellar nucleosynthesis:
As a star ages, it fuses hydrogen into helium through nuclear reactions in its core. Eventually, as the hydrogen fuel runs out, the
star expands and undergoes further nuclear reactions, fusing helium into heavier elements like carbon, oxygen, and nitrogen. This
process continues, creating even heavier elements like iron.

It's important to note that stellar nucleosynthesis primarily occurs in the cores of massive stars during their later stages of
evolution. When these massive stars eventually explode in supernova, they release the synthesized elements into space, enriching the
surrounding interstellar medium. These elements then become the building blocks for future generations of stars and planetary
systems.

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