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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]
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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.
- A nebula. A star forms from massive clouds of dust and gas in space, also known as a nebula. Nebulae are mostly composed of hydrogen. Gravity begins to pull the dust and gas together.
- Protostar. As the mass falls together it gets hot. A star is formed when it is hot enough for the hydrogen nuclei to fuse together to make helium. The fusion process releases energy, which keeps the core of the star hot.
- Main sequence star. During this stable phase in the life of a star, the force of gravity holding the star together is balanced by higher pressure due to the high temperatures.
- Red giant star. When all the hydrogen has been used up in the fusion process, larger nuclei begin to form and the star may expand to become a red giant.
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.
Nov 21, 2023 · A protostar is a young star that has not yet depleted its surrounding molecular gas through gravitational contraction. Additionally, a protostar's core has not yet become dense and...
Apr 18, 2024 · A protostar is a young star that is still in the process of forming. It is the earliest stage in the life cycle of a star, before it begins nuclear fusion in its core.
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.
