Description: The stellar core is the central region of a star. For stars on the main sequence (like the Sun), the core is the site of nuclear fusion, the energy source for a star. In the core of a main sequence star, hydrogen atoms are fused, forming helium. In evolved stars such as giants there may be no nuclear fusion in the core, or other elements such as helium could provide the fuel for this nuclear fusion. In these evolved stars, hydrogen fusion (and other nuclear fusion processes) can take place in shells around the core.

Related Terms:

• Hydrogen Fusion
• Nuclear Fusion
• Radiative Zone
• Stellar Structure
• Convective Zone

Term and definition status: This term and its definition have been approved by a research astronomer and a teacher

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