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A protostar is a very young star that is still gathering mass from its parent molecular cloud. It is the earliest phase in the process of stellar evolution. [1] For a low-mass star (i.e. that of the Sun or lower), it lasts about 500,000 years. [2]
Apr 12, 2024 · What is a Protostar? A protostar is a stage in the formation of a star where a dense cloud of gas and dust begins to collapse under its own gravity. This collapse triggers the process of nuclear fusion, which eventually leads to the birth of a new star.
May 28, 2024 · These embryonic stars are the precursor to fully-fledged stars, marking a critical phase in astronomical phenomena. The formation and evolution of protostars are pivotal in astrophysics, offering insights into stellar characteristics and the dynamic processes of star formation.
Apr 9, 2024 · Protostars become stars when nuclear fusion begins in their cores. This process involves the fusion of hydrogen atoms into helium, releasing energy in the form of light and heat. Once fusion ignites, the protostar starts shining brightly and becomes a main sequence star.
Apr 11, 2022 · During the time a dense core is contracting to become a true star, but before the fusion of protons to produce helium begins, we call the object a protostar. Figure \(\PageIndex{7}\) Formation of a Star.
The main structural elements of a protostar are the core, envelope, disk, and outflow. The envelope presents a radial temperature gradient, which results in a radially dependent gas and grain surface chemistry regulated by sublimation, radical ice chemistry, and temperature-dependent gas chemistry.
Toward the cloud’s center, a primitive star forms and continues to build up its mass from the surrounding gas. This object, called a protostar, is unique in that most of its luminosity stems from the kinetic energy of infalling matter crashing onto its surface and surrounding disk.
