Nebula

A star is born.

NASA

Etymology

nebula (Latin) - vapor, fog, exhalation

Information

A nebula is a giant cloud of dust and gas (mostly hydrogen and helium) that is the birthplace for stars. This cloud of dust can come from an explosion from a dying star or clouds of interstellar gases drawing together.

Many stars can be formed from one nebula. Gravitational forces draw the gases in interstellar space together into clouds. As these clouds collapse and become denser, the core of the cloud begins to combust and emit more and more heat. Eventually, they become so hot that nuclear fusion begins.

Then, it begins to shine. It's lifetime is determined by the amount of hydrogen it has to fuel the nuclear reaction, that makes it radiate.