The Birth of Stars

The first stage of a star formation is called trigger. This occurs when outside pressures disturb a dark cloud, and it begins to collapse. The cloud continues to collapse under its own power. The gravity draws the dust and gas particles to the core. When the cloud contracts it heats up and becomes a prostar. They can reach more than a million degrees. When the nuclear fusion reaction begins the star flares to life. The stellar winds sweep the surrounding materials away, and lights up nearby gas clouds. The surrounding gas and dust are blasted away and a star is born. Most stars have other stars in orbit around them.

Death of Stars

Stars have a lifespan of about 10,000 million years! Small stars like blue dwarfs can live even longer than that. Supergiants live a short life.

When a star’s gas runs out it dies. Stars about the size of our Sun grow, turn red, and become red giants. Then they blow up with a huge explosion called a supernova. For the last thousands years four super novas have been seen. They last for several days glowing brightly until they finally disappear.

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Unless otherwise noted, all images courtesy of NASA. Permission for use at http://www.nasa.gov/gallery/photo/guideline.html.

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