Experimental and theoretical nuclear astrophysics; the quest for the origin of the elements

A historical review of experimental and theoretical nuclear astrophysics is presented. Special attention is paid to nuclear physics experimental results and their cosmological interpretation. Hydrogen combustion in the main sequence stars and the problem of solar neutrinos, synthesis of 12C and 16O nuclei during the He combustion, process of the element formation during the Ne, O and Si combustion, the role of weak interactions in astrophysical processes are considered. Results are discussed of calculation of abundance of A <= 60 nuclei, as well as isotope anomalies in meteorites and obsvation proofs of the nucleosynthesis being continued and problems of nuclear cosmochronology