Stellar evolution explores the fascinating life cycle of stars, from their cosmic birth in nebulae to their dramatic deaths as white dwarfs, neutron stars, or...
Stellar evolution describes the complete life cycle of stars, detailing their birth, development, and eventual demise, transforming into various celestial objects like white dwarfs or black holes.
Stars form within dense regions of nebulae (giant clouds of gas and dust) where gravity causes matter to collapse, heat up, and eventually ignite nuclear fusion in their cores.
A star's initial mass is the primary factor determining its life span. More massive stars burn through their fuel hotter and faster, thus living shorter lives than less massive stars.
The end stage depends on the star's initial mass. Sun-like stars become white dwarfs, while very massive stars can end as neutron stars or black holes, often after a supernova explosion.