How do stars form and evolve?

Can you explain how stars are formed?

Stars form from clouds of gas and dust in space, known as nebulae. When these clouds collapse under their own gravity, they create dense regions that eventually ignite nuclear fusion.

What happens during the life cycle of a star?

A star goes through several stages: it starts as a protostar, then becomes a main-sequence star, followed by a red giant or supergiant, and finally ends as a white dwarf, neutron star, or black hole, depending on its mass.

How long do stars typically live?

The lifespan of a star varies greatly. Smaller stars like red dwarfs can live for billions of years, while massive stars may only last a few million years before exploding as supernovae.

What role do supernovae play in the universe?

Supernovae are crucial for dispersing elements into space, enriching the interstellar medium, and triggering the formation of new stars and planets.