Our sun is the life-force of our planet. Everything around us is a result of nuclear fusion. To be even more specific, the periodic table would almost not exist if it weren't for stars. Within our own sun, there is an extremely violent battle taking place. Gravity is pushing and condensing everything towards the core. At the same time, something equally as powerful and amazing takes place at the core, Nuclear Fusion.
To be clear, Nuclear Fusion is not the same as Nuclear Fission. Nuclear Fission is the process of splitting atoms apart, whereas Nuclear Fusion is the process of combining atoms together. See the difference between Fusion & Fission for more information.
Currently our own sun is trying to collapse in on itself, at which point it would burst into what we know as a Supernova. The only thing keeping this from happening is nuclear fusion. This reaction creates immense amounts of heat/energy of which pushes outward. It is only when the energy within our own sun (hydrogen) is depleted that the gravitational forces can work their magic, and in the process destroy Earth and all it’s inhabitants. That won't happen for about 5 Billion years. But when it does happen, it’s going to be spectacular.
Nuclear Fusion is defined as a ‘nuclear reaction in which two or more atomic nuclei collide at a very high speed and join to form a new type of atomic nucleus’. Much easier said than done. According to UC-Davis, “Extremely high energy is required to bring two or more protons close enough that nuclear forces overcome their electrostatic repulsion”.
So, why is this important? And how does Nuclear Fusion play a part in the periodic table? Each element is the result of nuclear fusion within a star. It takes a supernova to create elements such as gold, platinum and other rare metals. We think of supernovas as explosions, but the real magic happens in the micro-seconds prior to this event. As the energy within the star runs out, often a result of Iron buildup, there is actually an initial implosion due to the absence of an opposite force to that of gravity.
I could go on and on about the sciences behind a Supernova, but thats not my goal for this article. Why are supernovas amazing to Astronomers? Everything we are is a product of the materials available here on earth. Life cannot exist solely from hydrogen (the most common gas in the universe), something had to happen. That ‘something’ is still happening today. Whether your belief is in a high being or the theory of random-organization, to be able to look up to the sky and watch our Universe at work is an amazing opportunity.
According to the University of Oregon, “A Supernova can be seen in nearby galaxies, about one every 100 years (therefore, if you survey 100 galaxies per year you expect to see at least one supernova a year)”. If you have ever wanted to watch the moment life begins the creation process, look up. You may just be lucky enough to watch the universe work its magic in near “real time”.