The atoms that make up our bodies and the world around us originated from various sources, including stars. The elements that constitute matter were synthesized in stellar nucleosynthesis processes and released into the universe through stellar explosions like supernovae.
The exact proportion of atoms in our bodies that can be attributed to stellar origins depends on the specific elements and isotopes being considered. However, it is estimated that a significant portion of the atoms in our bodies, particularly the heavier elements, were indeed formed in stars.
For instance, elements like carbon, oxygen, nitrogen, and calcium—all of which are crucial for life—were created through nucleosynthesis in stars. These elements were then dispersed into space by stellar explosions and eventually incorporated into new star systems, planetary systems, and ultimately, living organisms.
Some estimates suggest that about 93% of the carbon atoms in our bodies, 65% of the oxygen atoms, and a significant fraction of other heavy elements can be traced back to stellar origins.
It's important to note that these figures are based on scientific models and estimations, as it is challenging to precisely determine the origin of every atom in our bodies. Nevertheless, the idea that the majority of the atoms in our bodies have traversed the depths of space and originated in distant stars is a fascinating and widely accepted concept in astrophysics and cosmology.