Stellar formation is the process by which dense regions within molecular clouds in interstellar space collapse to form stars, driven by gravitational forces and often influenced by external factors like supernovae. This process involves a complex interplay of physics including nuclear fusion, angular momentum conservation, and magnetic fields, ultimately leading to the birth of stars that can vary widely in mass and life span.
Star formation regulation refers to the processes and mechanisms that control the rate and efficiency of star formation in galaxies, influenced by factors such as gas availability, feedback from stars, and galactic dynamics. Understanding these regulatory processes is crucial for explaining the observed diversity in star formation rates across different galaxies and cosmic epochs.
Protostars are the earliest stage in the formation of a star, where a dense region within a molecular cloud collapses under gravity, eventually igniting nuclear fusion in its core. These objects are characterized by their rapid accretion of material and are often surrounded by a circumstellar disk that may lead to planet formation.