Star formation is the process by which dense regions within molecular clouds in space collapse under their own gravity to form stars. It involves several stages, beginning with the gravitational contraction of gas and dust, leading to the creation of protostars. As the protostar continues to accumulate mass, its core temperature rises, eventually reaching the conditions necessary for nuclear fusion to ignite. The process can take millions of years, and is influenced by various factors, including the cloud’s density, temperature, and turbulence, as well as external events like shock waves from nearby supernovae. Star formation is a crucial aspect of the life cycle of galaxies, contributing to the cosmic evolution and the formation of various astronomical structures.
A recent study suggests that stars in the universe have a voracious appetite, with about one in every 12 stars potentially swallowing a planet. While scientists have long suspected that…
Modern astronomical research, conducted by an international team of scientists including researchers from the University of Cologne, has shed new light on the formation of planetary systems. Utilizing the advanced…