<P> Stellar evolution starts with the gravitational collapse of a giant molecular cloud . Typical giant molecular clouds are roughly 100 light - years ( 9.5 × 10 km ) across and contain up to 6,000,000 solar masses ( 1.2 × 10 kg ) . As it collapses , a giant molecular cloud breaks into smaller and smaller pieces . In each of these fragments , the collapsing gas releases gravitational potential energy as heat . As its temperature and pressure increase , a fragment condenses into a rotating sphere of superhot gas known as a protostar . </P>
<P> Stellar evolution starts with the gravitational collapse of a giant molecular cloud . Typical giant molecular clouds are roughly 100 light - years ( 9.5 × 10 km ) across and contain up to 6,000,000 solar masses ( 1.2 × 10 kg ) . As it collapses , a giant molecular cloud breaks into smaller and smaller pieces . In each of these fragments , the collapsing gas releases gravitational potential energy as heat . As its temperature and pressure increase , a fragment condenses into a rotating sphere of superhot gas known as a protostar . </P>
how do all stars begin their early development
how do all stars begin their early development
with the gravitational collapse of a giant molecular cloud .
with the gravitational collapse of a giant molecular cloud .