Stellar Evolution and Nucleosynthesis: Investigating the Life Cycles of Massive Stars and Their Role in Galactic Chemical Enrichment

Diriba Gonfa Tolasa

doi:doi:10.11648/j.ep.20250801.13

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Stellar Evolution and Nucleosynthesis: Investigating the Life Cycles of Massive Stars and Their Role in Galactic Chemical Enrichment

Diriba Gonfa Tolasa^*

Published in Engineering Physics (Volume 8, Issue 1)

Received: 29 March 2025 Accepted: 14 April 2025 Published: 29 April 2025

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Abstract

Stellar evolution and nucleosynthesis are fundamental processes that govern the life cycles of massive stars, significantly influencing the chemical enrichment of galaxies. This study aims to elucidate the intricate mechanisms underlying the evolution of massive stars, from their formation in molecular clouds to their explosive demise as supernovae. Massive stars, defined as those with initial masses exceeding approximately eight solar masses, undergo a series of complex nuclear fusion reactions that synthesize heavier elements, thereby contributing to the cosmic abundance of elements beyond hydrogen and helium. The research employs advanced computational models to simulate the evolutionary pathways of massive stars, incorporating the latest advancements in stellar physics, including rotation, mass loss, and the effects of metallicity. By analyzing these models, we investigate the nucleosynthetic yields of key elements such as carbon, oxygen, and iron, which are produced during various stages of stellar evolution, including hydrogen burning, helium burning, and supernova explosions. The interplay between these processes and the surrounding interstellar medium is also examined, highlighting the role of supernovae in dispersing newly formed elements into the galaxy, thus enriching the chemical composition of subsequent generations of stars and planetary systems. Furthermore, this study explores the implications of massive star nucleosynthesis for galactic chemical evolution. We assess how the distribution of elements synthesized in massive stars influences the formation of stars and planets, as well as the potential for life in the universe. By integrating observational data from current astronomical surveys and missions, such as the Gaia space observatory and the James Webb Space Telescope, we aim to correlate theoretical predictions with empirical evidence, thereby refining our understanding of the cosmic chemical inventory, this research underscores the pivotal role of massive stars in shaping the chemical landscape of galaxies. By investigating the life cycles of these stellar giants and their nucleosynthetic contributions, we provide critical insights into the processes that govern galactic evolution and the origins of the elements essential for life. The findings of this study not only enhance our comprehension of stellar astrophysics but also contribute to the broader discourse on the formation and evolution of the universe.

Published in	Engineering Physics (Volume 8, Issue 1)
DOI	10.11648/j.ep.20250801.13
Page(s)	24-40
Creative Commons	This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright	Copyright © The Author(s), 2025. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Stellar Evolution, Nucleosynthesis, Massive Stars, Galactic Chemical Enrichment, Supernova, Astrobiology

References

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APA Style

Tolasa, D. G. (2025). Stellar Evolution and Nucleosynthesis: Investigating the Life Cycles of Massive Stars and Their Role in Galactic Chemical Enrichment. Engineering Physics, 8(1), 24-40. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ep.20250801.13

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ACS Style

Tolasa, D. G. Stellar Evolution and Nucleosynthesis: Investigating the Life Cycles of Massive Stars and Their Role in Galactic Chemical Enrichment. Eng. Phys. 2025, 8(1), 24-40. doi: 10.11648/j.ep.20250801.13

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AMA Style

Tolasa DG. Stellar Evolution and Nucleosynthesis: Investigating the Life Cycles of Massive Stars and Their Role in Galactic Chemical Enrichment. Eng Phys. 2025;8(1):24-40. doi: 10.11648/j.ep.20250801.13

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@article{10.11648/j.ep.20250801.13,
  author = {Diriba Gonfa Tolasa},
  title = {Stellar Evolution and Nucleosynthesis: Investigating the Life Cycles of Massive Stars and Their Role in Galactic Chemical Enrichment
},
  journal = {Engineering Physics},
  volume = {8},
  number = {1},
  pages = {24-40},
  doi = {10.11648/j.ep.20250801.13},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ep.20250801.13},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ep.20250801.13},
  abstract = {Stellar evolution and nucleosynthesis are fundamental processes that govern the life cycles of massive stars, significantly influencing the chemical enrichment of galaxies. This study aims to elucidate the intricate mechanisms underlying the evolution of massive stars, from their formation in molecular clouds to their explosive demise as supernovae. Massive stars, defined as those with initial masses exceeding approximately eight solar masses, undergo a series of complex nuclear fusion reactions that synthesize heavier elements, thereby contributing to the cosmic abundance of elements beyond hydrogen and helium. The research employs advanced computational models to simulate the evolutionary pathways of massive stars, incorporating the latest advancements in stellar physics, including rotation, mass loss, and the effects of metallicity. By analyzing these models, we investigate the nucleosynthetic yields of key elements such as carbon, oxygen, and iron, which are produced during various stages of stellar evolution, including hydrogen burning, helium burning, and supernova explosions. The interplay between these processes and the surrounding interstellar medium is also examined, highlighting the role of supernovae in dispersing newly formed elements into the galaxy, thus enriching the chemical composition of subsequent generations of stars and planetary systems. Furthermore, this study explores the implications of massive star nucleosynthesis for galactic chemical evolution. We assess how the distribution of elements synthesized in massive stars influences the formation of stars and planets, as well as the potential for life in the universe. By integrating observational data from current astronomical surveys and missions, such as the Gaia space observatory and the James Webb Space Telescope, we aim to correlate theoretical predictions with empirical evidence, thereby refining our understanding of the cosmic chemical inventory, this research underscores the pivotal role of massive stars in shaping the chemical landscape of galaxies. By investigating the life cycles of these stellar giants and their nucleosynthetic contributions, we provide critical insights into the processes that govern galactic evolution and the origins of the elements essential for life. The findings of this study not only enhance our comprehension of stellar astrophysics but also contribute to the broader discourse on the formation and evolution of the universe.
},
 year = {2025}
}

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TY  - JOUR
T1  - Stellar Evolution and Nucleosynthesis: Investigating the Life Cycles of Massive Stars and Their Role in Galactic Chemical Enrichment

AU  - Diriba Gonfa Tolasa
Y1  - 2025/04/29
PY  - 2025
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ep.20250801.13
DO  - 10.11648/j.ep.20250801.13
T2  - Engineering Physics
JF  - Engineering Physics
JO  - Engineering Physics
SP  - 24
EP  - 40
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2640-1029
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ep.20250801.13
AB  - Stellar evolution and nucleosynthesis are fundamental processes that govern the life cycles of massive stars, significantly influencing the chemical enrichment of galaxies. This study aims to elucidate the intricate mechanisms underlying the evolution of massive stars, from their formation in molecular clouds to their explosive demise as supernovae. Massive stars, defined as those with initial masses exceeding approximately eight solar masses, undergo a series of complex nuclear fusion reactions that synthesize heavier elements, thereby contributing to the cosmic abundance of elements beyond hydrogen and helium. The research employs advanced computational models to simulate the evolutionary pathways of massive stars, incorporating the latest advancements in stellar physics, including rotation, mass loss, and the effects of metallicity. By analyzing these models, we investigate the nucleosynthetic yields of key elements such as carbon, oxygen, and iron, which are produced during various stages of stellar evolution, including hydrogen burning, helium burning, and supernova explosions. The interplay between these processes and the surrounding interstellar medium is also examined, highlighting the role of supernovae in dispersing newly formed elements into the galaxy, thus enriching the chemical composition of subsequent generations of stars and planetary systems. Furthermore, this study explores the implications of massive star nucleosynthesis for galactic chemical evolution. We assess how the distribution of elements synthesized in massive stars influences the formation of stars and planets, as well as the potential for life in the universe. By integrating observational data from current astronomical surveys and missions, such as the Gaia space observatory and the James Webb Space Telescope, we aim to correlate theoretical predictions with empirical evidence, thereby refining our understanding of the cosmic chemical inventory, this research underscores the pivotal role of massive stars in shaping the chemical landscape of galaxies. By investigating the life cycles of these stellar giants and their nucleosynthetic contributions, we provide critical insights into the processes that govern galactic evolution and the origins of the elements essential for life. The findings of this study not only enhance our comprehension of stellar astrophysics but also contribute to the broader discourse on the formation and evolution of the universe.

VL  - 8
IS  - 1
ER  -

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Author Information

Diriba Gonfa Tolasa

Department of Physics, Assosa University, Assosa, Ethiopia

Contact Email

http://orcid.org/0009-0000-4452-3944

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APA Style

Tolasa, D. G. (2025). Stellar Evolution and Nucleosynthesis: Investigating the Life Cycles of Massive Stars and Their Role in Galactic Chemical Enrichment. Engineering Physics, 8(1), 24-40. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ep.20250801.13

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ACS Style

Tolasa, D. G. Stellar Evolution and Nucleosynthesis: Investigating the Life Cycles of Massive Stars and Their Role in Galactic Chemical Enrichment. Eng. Phys. 2025, 8(1), 24-40. doi: 10.11648/j.ep.20250801.13

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AMA Style

Tolasa DG. Stellar Evolution and Nucleosynthesis: Investigating the Life Cycles of Massive Stars and Their Role in Galactic Chemical Enrichment. Eng Phys. 2025;8(1):24-40. doi: 10.11648/j.ep.20250801.13

Copy | Download

@article{10.11648/j.ep.20250801.13,
  author = {Diriba Gonfa Tolasa},
  title = {Stellar Evolution and Nucleosynthesis: Investigating the Life Cycles of Massive Stars and Their Role in Galactic Chemical Enrichment
},
  journal = {Engineering Physics},
  volume = {8},
  number = {1},
  pages = {24-40},
  doi = {10.11648/j.ep.20250801.13},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ep.20250801.13},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ep.20250801.13},
  abstract = {Stellar evolution and nucleosynthesis are fundamental processes that govern the life cycles of massive stars, significantly influencing the chemical enrichment of galaxies. This study aims to elucidate the intricate mechanisms underlying the evolution of massive stars, from their formation in molecular clouds to their explosive demise as supernovae. Massive stars, defined as those with initial masses exceeding approximately eight solar masses, undergo a series of complex nuclear fusion reactions that synthesize heavier elements, thereby contributing to the cosmic abundance of elements beyond hydrogen and helium. The research employs advanced computational models to simulate the evolutionary pathways of massive stars, incorporating the latest advancements in stellar physics, including rotation, mass loss, and the effects of metallicity. By analyzing these models, we investigate the nucleosynthetic yields of key elements such as carbon, oxygen, and iron, which are produced during various stages of stellar evolution, including hydrogen burning, helium burning, and supernova explosions. The interplay between these processes and the surrounding interstellar medium is also examined, highlighting the role of supernovae in dispersing newly formed elements into the galaxy, thus enriching the chemical composition of subsequent generations of stars and planetary systems. Furthermore, this study explores the implications of massive star nucleosynthesis for galactic chemical evolution. We assess how the distribution of elements synthesized in massive stars influences the formation of stars and planets, as well as the potential for life in the universe. By integrating observational data from current astronomical surveys and missions, such as the Gaia space observatory and the James Webb Space Telescope, we aim to correlate theoretical predictions with empirical evidence, thereby refining our understanding of the cosmic chemical inventory, this research underscores the pivotal role of massive stars in shaping the chemical landscape of galaxies. By investigating the life cycles of these stellar giants and their nucleosynthetic contributions, we provide critical insights into the processes that govern galactic evolution and the origins of the elements essential for life. The findings of this study not only enhance our comprehension of stellar astrophysics but also contribute to the broader discourse on the formation and evolution of the universe.
},
 year = {2025}
}

Copy | Download

TY  - JOUR
T1  - Stellar Evolution and Nucleosynthesis: Investigating the Life Cycles of Massive Stars and Their Role in Galactic Chemical Enrichment

AU  - Diriba Gonfa Tolasa
Y1  - 2025/04/29
PY  - 2025
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ep.20250801.13
DO  - 10.11648/j.ep.20250801.13
T2  - Engineering Physics
JF  - Engineering Physics
JO  - Engineering Physics
SP  - 24
EP  - 40
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2640-1029
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ep.20250801.13
AB  - Stellar evolution and nucleosynthesis are fundamental processes that govern the life cycles of massive stars, significantly influencing the chemical enrichment of galaxies. This study aims to elucidate the intricate mechanisms underlying the evolution of massive stars, from their formation in molecular clouds to their explosive demise as supernovae. Massive stars, defined as those with initial masses exceeding approximately eight solar masses, undergo a series of complex nuclear fusion reactions that synthesize heavier elements, thereby contributing to the cosmic abundance of elements beyond hydrogen and helium. The research employs advanced computational models to simulate the evolutionary pathways of massive stars, incorporating the latest advancements in stellar physics, including rotation, mass loss, and the effects of metallicity. By analyzing these models, we investigate the nucleosynthetic yields of key elements such as carbon, oxygen, and iron, which are produced during various stages of stellar evolution, including hydrogen burning, helium burning, and supernova explosions. The interplay between these processes and the surrounding interstellar medium is also examined, highlighting the role of supernovae in dispersing newly formed elements into the galaxy, thus enriching the chemical composition of subsequent generations of stars and planetary systems. Furthermore, this study explores the implications of massive star nucleosynthesis for galactic chemical evolution. We assess how the distribution of elements synthesized in massive stars influences the formation of stars and planets, as well as the potential for life in the universe. By integrating observational data from current astronomical surveys and missions, such as the Gaia space observatory and the James Webb Space Telescope, we aim to correlate theoretical predictions with empirical evidence, thereby refining our understanding of the cosmic chemical inventory, this research underscores the pivotal role of massive stars in shaping the chemical landscape of galaxies. By investigating the life cycles of these stellar giants and their nucleosynthetic contributions, we provide critical insights into the processes that govern galactic evolution and the origins of the elements essential for life. The findings of this study not only enhance our comprehension of stellar astrophysics but also contribute to the broader discourse on the formation and evolution of the universe.

VL  - 8
IS  - 1
ER  -

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