The life cycle of a small or average-sized star (like our Sun) typically follows this sequence:
- Nebula: The process begins in a nebula, which is a large cloud of gas and dust in space.
- Protostar: Under the influence of gravity, the nebula collapses and begins to form a protostar.
- Main Sequence Star: Once the protostar's core temperature becomes high enough for nuclear fusion to occur, it enters the main sequence phase, where it remains for the majority of its life.
- Red Giant: After exhausting hydrogen in its core, the star expands into a red giant as it begins to fuse helium and other heavier elements.
- Planetary Nebula: The outer layers of the red giant are expelled into space, creating a planetary nebula.
- White Dwarf: The remaining core contracts into a very hot, dense object known as a white dwarf.
- End of Life: Eventually, the white dwarf will cool and fade away over time.
So, for the life cycle of a small or average-sized star, it is:
- Nebula
- Protostar
- Main Sequence Star
- Red Giant
- Planetary Nebula
- White Dwarf
Black holes are typically associated with the death of very massive stars, so they are not part of the life cycle of average-sized stars.
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