Eli5- How do scientists know we came from the stars?

Question

As the title says. Thank you!

In: 0

Answer 1

If you are referring to the idea that “we are stardust” – much of this stems from the fact that heavier elements (heavier than hydrogen and helium) are produced by fusion in stars.

So far as we know, the source of these heavier elements are from stars exploding and the resulting stardust being recycled into new stars / planets / systems.

If you are referring to the idea [of life being seeded here from other worlds – called panspermia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panspermia). It is really not that serious an idea as we only know of life on our own planet.