  The triple alpha process plays an important role in the production of 12C in
stars. Its rate is known with an accuracy of about 12%. We examine the
corresponding uncertainties introduced in the description of pre-supernova
stars, of nucleosynthesis in a core-collapse SN explosion, and of the
production of 12C during the third dredge-up in asymptotic giant branch (AGB)
stars. For the AGB case we consider also the effects of uncertainties in the
14N(p,gamma)15O rate. We conclude that the present accuracy of the triplr alpha
rate is inadequate and describe new experiments that will lead to a more
accurate value.
