A spinless excited state of this element has been found to be comprised of three clusters joined in a "bent arm" formation. The diffuse interstellar bands are likely absorption lines of compounds of this element. Optical spectra of astronomical objects containing this element can be distinguished by the presence of Swan bands. The last step in the production of this element is very favorable due to a 7.7 MeV resonance predicted by (*) Fred Hoyle. This element is used as 
A spinless excited state of this element has been found to be comprised of three clusters joined in a "bent arm" formation. The diffuse interstellar bands are likely absorption lines of compounds of this element. Optical spectra of astronomical objects containing this element can be distinguished by the presence of Swan bands. The last step in the production of this element is very favorable due to a 7.7 MeV resonance predicted by (*) Fred Hoyle. This element is used as fuel in the third nuclear burning stage of a typical star. The initiation of fusion of this element in white dwarfs causes a namesake detonation resulting in a type Ia supernova. This element is produced in the triple alpha process via the fusion of three helium nuclei. For 10 points, name this element whose unstable 14 isotope is used in radiometric dating of young objects.
A spinless excited state of this element has been found to be comprised of three clusters joined in a "bent arm" formation.
carbon [or C]