Star Formation Nebulae
Stellar evolution begins in nebulae, vast clouds of dust and gas. These birthplaces are often illuminated by the light of nearby stars, setting the stage for new suns to coalesce under gravity's relentless pull.
Protostars' Tumultuous Beginnings
Within nebulae, clumps of matter collapse to form protostars, embryonic stars that have yet to ignite. Friction and pressure build as the protostar contracts, heating up its core to incredible temperatures.
Main Sequence Equilibrium
A star enters the main sequence once nuclear fusion starts. This occurs when core temperatures reach about 10 million degrees Celsius, allowing hydrogen atoms to fuse into helium, releasing energy that balances gravitational collapse.
Red Giants' Dying Glow
As stars exhaust their hydrogen fuel, they expand into red giants. Their outer layers cool and redden, while the core heats up, fusing helium into heavier elements like carbon and oxygen.
Supernovae: Cosmic Fireworks
Massive stars end their lives in spectacular supernovae, outshining entire galaxies briefly. These explosive events are crucibles for the creation of the universe's heavier elements like gold and uranium.
Neutron Stars and Pulsars
Post-supernova, a star's core may collapse into a neutron star. These incredibly dense objects can spin rapidly, emitting beams of radiation detectable as pulsars, which serve as cosmic lighthouses for astronomers.
Black Holes: Gravity's Triumph
The most massive stars collapse into black holes, where gravity's pull is so strong that not even light can escape. The event horizon marks the point of no return in this dark and mysterious end to a star's life.Star Diamonds
Some white dwarf stars crystallize into diamonds, creating cosmic jewels of pure carbon.
What initiates a star's life?
Supernova explosion
Nebulae dust and gas
Black hole collapse
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