Star Cycle

Front

What is a star forming nebula?

Back

A star forming nebula is the birthplace of stars, made up of gas and dust, and contracts due to gravity to begin forming a star.

Front

What is a black hole?

Back

A black hole is a stage in the life cycle of a high mass star that is so dense that not even light can escape.

Front

What happens after a supergiant star explodes?

Back

After a supergiant, a high mass star explodes and forms a supernova.

Front

What are main sequence stars?

Back

Main sequence stars are the majority of stars in the universe and are in the stage when the star fuses Hydrogen into Helium.

Front

What happens to a low mass main sequence star as it ages?

Back

A low mass main sequence star expands into a red giant and will grow more than 100 times its original size.

Front

What is the life cycle of a low mass star?

Back

A low mass star goes from a nebula to a main sequence star, then to a red giant, and finally to a white dwarf.

Front

What is a supernova?

Back

A supernova is the explosive death of a high mass star, resulting in a bright burst of light.

Front

What is the difference between a white dwarf and a black dwarf?

Back

A white dwarf is the remnant of a low mass star that has shed its outer layers, while a black dwarf is a theoretical stage where a white dwarf has cooled and no longer emits significant heat or light.

Front

What is nuclear fusion in stars?

Back

Nuclear fusion in stars is the process where hydrogen atoms combine to form helium, releasing energy that powers the star.

Front

What is the role of gravity in star formation?

Back

Gravity causes gas and dust in a nebula to contract, leading to the formation of a star.