We Are Made of Stardust

Science

Every atom of carbon in your body was forged inside a dying star. Every atom of iron in your blood was created in a stellar explosion. Discover how the universe built up the chemical elements and how those elements ended up on Earth — and inside you.

50 XP
Reward
10
Questions
5–10 min
Time
Q1 Question 1 of 10

Which elements were created in the Big Bang, and which were not?

Q2 Question 2 of 10

Up to which element can nuclear fusion in stellar cores produce energy?

Q3 Question 3 of 10

Where are elements heavier than iron — such as gold, silver, and uranium — created?

Q4 Question 4 of 10

How do the heavy elements forged inside stars reach the interstellar medium and eventually become part of new planets?

Q5 Question 5 of 10

The iron in your blood originally came from where?

Q6 Question 6 of 10

What is the r-process?

Q7 Question 7 of 10

What does the famous quote by astronomer Carl Sagan mean when he said we are made of star stuff?

Q8 Question 8 of 10

How many generations of stars had to live and die before our solar system could form with enough heavy elements?

Q9 Question 9 of 10

Why is it significant that supernova remnants are spreading heavy elements into the ISM right now?

Q10 Question 10 of 10

Which of the following elements was created in a neutron star merger rather than inside a normal star?