  Extrapolations from nuclei to neutron stars hinge on the symmetry term in
nuclear binding formulas. The term describes reduction in the binding
associated with neutron-proton (np) imbalance. Regrettably, binding formulas in
the literature commonly lack an intrinsic consistency with regard to the
symmetry term. Our elementary considerations determine the universal
macroscopic limit for the term and predict its weakening in light nuclei due to
emergence of the nuclear asymmetry-skin. Experimental systematic of
isobaric-analogue states allows for a determination of the volume and surface
coefficients within the macroscopic limit of the symmetry term, disregarding
any reminder of a binding formula. The results are next exploited to constrain
the dependence of symmetry energy on nuclear density, essential for the
neutron-star predictions.

Nuclear Theory