Nuclear astrophysics is a branch of astrophysics that focuses on the study of the behavior of atomic nuclei in astronomical environments. This field explores the role of nuclear reactions and processes in shaping the evolution, structure, and properties of stars, galaxies, and the universe as a whole. Researchers in nuclear astrophysics study how nuclear reactions power stars, produce heavy elements through nucleosynthesis, and impact the dynamics of cosmic phenomena such as supernovae and neutron stars. By studying the behavior of atomic nuclei in extreme environments, nuclear astrophysicists seek to deepen our understanding of the fundamental processes that govern the universe.