How do stars form?

Stars form from clouds of gas and dust in space, known as molecular clouds. These clouds are composed mainly of hydrogen and helium, but also contain small amounts of heavier elements. Gravity causes the gas and dust in the cloud to begin to clump together, forming dense regions called protostars.

As the protostar continues to accrete gas and dust, it grows in size and temperature. Eventually, the temperature and pressure at its core become high enough to trigger nuclear fusion, the process by which hydrogen atoms combine to form helium, releasing energy in the process. This energy creates outward pressure, which balances the inward pull of gravity and stabilizes the star.

The exact process of star formation is complex and not yet fully understood, but it is believed to involve a number of factors, such as the rotation of the cloud, the presence of magnetic fields, and the effects of nearby stars or other objects. Over time, the newly formed star may continue to grow and evolve, eventually reaching the end of its life cycle and possibly exploding as a supernova.