A dense, glowing ball of hydrogen, helium, and trace quantities of heavier elements that shines with energy released from a hydrogen thermonuclear fusion reaction in the center, or core. Our Sun is an example of a star. Stars can appear red, orange, yellow, blue, or white, according to their masses and effective temperatures. Stars are born from clouds of gas and dust, live for millions or billions of years, depending on their masses, and die sometimes spectacular deaths. Stars usually exist in very large collections called galaxies.
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Rasalhague
A star with a bulging waistline
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Beta Bootis
A giant star flares up
Friday, May 28, 2010
Moon and Spica
The long beginning of a long journey
Monday, May 24, 2010
Alkaid
Getting a handle on the Big Dipper
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Crater
Brightening up a faint constellation
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Moon and Spica
Following the rhythms of the night
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
The Crane
A crane strides across the southern horizon
Friday, December 4, 2009
Vindemiatrix
A star with an intoxicating name
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Steady Star
A steady look at some precious elements
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
70 Ophiuchi
A comfortable star system
Sunday, August 24, 2008