  The C(12)+C(12) => Ne(20)+He(4) fusion reaction rate is shown to be extremely
sensitive to variations in the strong coupling constant. Connection with the
strong coupling constant is established by using the one boson exchange
potential for the nuclear forces and then relating the meson masses and
coupling constants of this model to QCD. The implications of a cosmological
evolution of these constants on carbon burning in Type 1a Supernovae are
discussed.
