Microscopic clustering in light nuclei

In most nuclei, protons and neutrons are smoothly distributed throughout the nuclear volume. Exceptions to this rule are molecularlike states, especially in light nuclei, where light nuclear clusters such as alpha particles are present. The most prominent example is the 7.65 MeV Hoyle state in carbon-12 that plays an essential role in the production of carbon in stars in the triple-alpha process. This work reviews progress and prospects in the studies of nuclear clustering, including molecular states in alpha-conjugate and neutron-rich systems.