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NEWTON Home Page NEWTON Teachers Visit Our Archives Ask A Question How To Ask A Question Question of the Week Our Expert Scientists Volunteer at NEWTON! Frequently Asked Questions Referencing NEWTON About NEWTON About Ask A Scientist Education At Argonne The Composition of Stars 
Name: bob w whitbeck
Status: N/A
Age: N/A
Location: N/A
Country: N/A
Date: 1993 - 1999
Question:
What is a star made of?

Replies:
All stars including our Sun are giant nuclear power plants! They "burn" hydrogen and helium to produce heavier elements through the process of nuclear fusion. The Sun is approximately 95% hydrogen, 5% helium, and less than 0.1% heavier elements.

Hawley


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