12C is produced via the triple-α process in the helium burning stage during stellar evolution. This reaction proceeds predominantly via a nuclear resonance known famously as the Hoyle state. Within this state the 12C nucleus is thought to exist as a cluster of three α particles. The first rotationally excited state is the main object of interest in this project and not only holds information on the structure of the astrophysically relevant Hoyle state, but also plays a direct role in the rate of the triple-α process at the higher temperatures.