Clusters of stars are constantly being
born from clouds of dust and gas
thousands of times the size of our
solar system, in a process that
can take millions of years.
A star is born
Hot colours
As this matter gets more and
more dense, heat builds up to
form a young star that fills the
surrounding nebulae with light
and colour. This spectacular
effect (right) was captured
by the
Spitzer
space
telescope.
Born in a cloud
Between existing stars, there are patches
of dust and gas. Gradually, these draw in
more and more dust and gas to form huge
clouds called nebulae. Clumps of matter
gather together in these clouds.
Which star cluster is also called the Seven Sisters?
290
The universe
Like many space pictures,
this image of the
Eagle nebula has been
artificially coloured so
it can be seen clearly.
With enough matter, this process
continues. The star gets denser and
hotter. Eventually nuclear fusion
begins, releasing huge amounts of
heat and light: a star is born.
The process of
star formation
captured by the
Hubble
telescope.
Nebula
