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Oxygen-burning process
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<p>The oxygen-burning process is a set of <a href="/facts/Nuclear_fusion/hP0gLDqj">nuclear fusion</a> reactions that take place in massive stars that have used up the lighter elements in their cores. Oxygen-burning is preceded by the <a href="/facts/Neon-burning_process/gFaHhLDK">neon-burning process</a> and succeeded by the <a href="/facts/Silicon-burning_process/qpYtHo8c">silicon-burning process</a>. As the neon-burning process ends, the core of the star contracts and heats until it reaches the ignition temperature for oxygen burning. Oxygen burning reactions are similar to those of carbon burning; however, they must occur at higher temperatures and densities due to the larger <a href="/facts/Coulomb_barrier/mAftHz1k">Coulomb barrier</a> of oxygen. </p>