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Stars are created in stellar nebulae, which are enormous clouds of dust and gas in space (usually mostly hydrogen, as this is the most common element in the universe [90%]). The density of this dust is uneven, so gravity begins to draw it together around the points of higher density. As the dust gathers closer together, it draws in more dust due to its increased gravitational effects. This accumulation continues to grow, and as more and more dust packs on, the pressure in the center increases because all of the dust is pushing against it. Eventually, if there is enough matter, the pressure in the center will become so great that it pushes the hydrogen atoms together, causing nuclear fusion and creating helium. This fusion produces energy, which is released in the form of light and heat. This heat as well as the increasing mass causes more and more fusion, which snowballs until the whole gas ball is alight. This gas ball is now called a star, because it is emitting light and heat produced by nuclear fusion at its core.

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13y ago

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