QUÍMICA ESTELAR E ESTRELAS APOCALÍPTICAS: ESTUDO COMPARATIVO

Abstract

All atoms existing in the Universe, except Hydrogen (H) and helium (He), arise from processes occurring in stars and their evolution. The stars transmute the H and He in other heavier elements through nuclear fusion and its process rolling, filling and enriching the interstellar medium from which they originate planetary systems. However, the same evolutionary cycle that can lead to a habitable planet can also cause its destruction, along with possible life forms present, e.g., in supernova explosions, final evolution of massive stars. One particular star, known as Wolf-Rayet 104 (WR 104), situated just 8000 light-years away, is close enough to the Earth to generate questions and controversies. Moreover, our own sun, when at the end of their life cycle, can bring dire consequences for the planet Earth.

Keywords

• nucleosynthesis
• stars
• supernova