Author: iamdefinitory

SHOCK WAVE: A high-energy wave, typically caused by supernova explosions, that can trigger the collapse of a nearby molecular cloud, initiating star formation.

HII REGION: A cloud of gas that is mostly ionized hydrogen, often found near newly-formed stars.

MOLECULAR CLOUD: A dense, cold region of space where stars are born, typically made up of hydrogen molecules.

STAR CLUSTER: A group of stars that form from the same molecular cloud and are gravitationally bound together.

T-TAURI STARS: A class of variable stars that are in the process of forming, named after the T-Tauri constellation.

ACCRETION: The process by which material gathers around a central point, such as the formation of a star from surrounding gas and dust.

MAIN SEQUENCE: The stable period in a star’s life cycle where it fuses hydrogen into helium in its core.

PROTOSTAR STAGE: The phase in a star’s life when it is still gathering mass and has not yet begun fusion in its core.

HYDROSTATIC EQUILIBRIUM: The balance between the inward force of gravity and the outward pressure from nuclear fusion, which keeps a star stable.

GRAVITATIONAL COLLAPSE: The process where a region of a gas cloud contracts under its own gravity, leading to the formation of a star.