Here's a breakdown:

* Stellar Nucleosynthesis: Carbon is created within stars through a process called nuclear fusion. In the core of stars, hydrogen atoms are fused together to form helium, releasing energy. This process continues, eventually leading to the formation of carbon and other heavier elements.

* Supernovae: When massive stars reach the end of their lives, they explode as supernovae. These explosions scatter the elements formed within the star, including carbon, into space.

* Planetary Formation: The material ejected from supernovae, including carbon, forms clouds of gas and dust that eventually coalesce into planets.

* Life on Earth: Carbon is the backbone of all life on Earth. It forms the basis of organic molecules like carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids, which are essential for life processes.

So, while we find carbon in various forms on Earth, its ultimate source is the nuclear fusion process within stars, with the distribution aided by supernova explosions.