PROTOSTARS Meaning and
Definition
-
Protostars are early-stage celestial objects in the process of forming stars. They are considered to be the youngest and least evolved stage in the life cycle of a star, occurring after the initial collapse of a molecular cloud. During this phase, protostars are still accumulating matter from their surrounding interstellar medium.
The formation of protostars begins when a massive molecular cloud, consisting of gas and dust, starts to contract under the influence of gravity. As these clouds condense, the temperature and density increase within their cores, leading to the birth of protostars. Due to their dense and opaque nature, protostars are often hidden from view within the densest regions of molecular clouds.
Initially, protostars are characterized by their high luminosity, which is derived from the energy released through gravitational contraction. As the protostar continues to accumulate mass, it gradually shrinks in size and heats up. At the same time, it releases energy through radiation, becoming increasingly visible.
The protostar phase is a crucial step in stellar evolution, as it represents the transition between a cold molecular cloud and a fully formed star. At the end of this phase, the protostar's core becomes dense and hot enough for nuclear fusion to begin, marking the birth of a new star. The protostar then enters the main sequence phase, where it will spend the majority of its lifetime, steadily generating energy by fusing hydrogen atoms in its core.
Common Misspellings for PROTOSTARS
Etymology of PROTOSTARS
The word "protostar" is derived from the combination of two words: "proto-" and "star".
1. Proto-: The prefix "proto-" originates from the Greek word "prṓtos", meaning "first" or "primary". This prefix is commonly used to refer to something that is in an early or developing stage.
2. Star: The word "star" comes from the Old English word "steorra" or the Proto-Germanic word "sternō", both meaning "star".
When combined, the term "protostar" describes the earliest stage of the formation process of a star.
