Nuclear astrophysics tells of nuclear processes in the universe

Contribution of nuclear physics in solving some problems of astrophysics is discussed. Nuclear physics has contributed to the understanding of : (1) the sources of energy of stars and the sun, (2) creation of elements in the interior of stars and their envelope during explosion, (3) origin of neutron stars and black holes, (4) big bang theory of the origin of universe, and (5) cosmic ray interactions. The basis of gamma ray astronomy is explained. (M.G.B.)