Nuclear Physics

1. Cosmic and Fundamental Questions
   1. Role of Nuclear Physics in Cosmology
      1. Understanding the Early Universe
         1. The Big Bang Theory
         2. Cosmic Microwave Background Radiation
         3. Inflationary Models of the Universe
         4. Quantum Fluctuations and Structure Formation
      2. Nucleosynthesis in Cosmology
         1. Big Bang Nucleosynthesis
            1. Formation of Light Elements
            2. Constraints and Observational Evidence
         2. Stellar Evolution and Nucleosynthesis
            1. Lifecycle of Stars
            2. Role of Nuclear Reactions in Stellar Cores
         3. Supernova Explosions and Element Formation
      3. Impact on Cosmic Structure
         1. Distribution of Elements in the Universe
         2. Influence of Nuclear Reactions on Galaxy Formation
   2. Origin of Heavy Elements
      1. Stellar Nucleosynthesis Processes
         1. s-process (Slow Neutron Capture)
         2. r-process (Rapid Neutron Capture)
            1. Sites of r-process: Neutron Star Mergers, Supernovae
      2. Alternative Theories
         1. p-process (Proton Capture or Photodisintegration)
         2. rp-process (Rapid Proton Capture)
      3. Implications for Chemical Evolution
         1. Chemical Composition of Stars and Galaxies
         2. Isotopic Abundance Variations
   3. Dark Matter and Dark Energy Implications
      1. The Nature of Dark Matter
         1. Hypothetical Particles: WIMPs, Axions
         2. Detection Methods: Direct, Indirect
      2. Role of Nuclear Physics in Dark Matter Studies
         1. Nuclear Reactions and Dark Matter Annihilation
         2. Constraints from Cosmic Rays and Gamma-ray Observations
      3. Dark Energy and Cosmic Expansion
         1. Observational Evidence: Accelerating Universe
         2. Theories and Models Explaining Dark Energy
      4. Influence on Cosmic Evolution
         1. Impact on Cosmic Microwave Background
         2. Dark Matter's Role in Structure Formation
      5. Future Experiments and Observations
         1. Upcoming Cosmic Observatories and Detectors
         2. Impacts on Cosmological Models and Predictions