STARS

WHAT IS STAR? A star is a sphere of gas held together by its own gravity. The closest star to Earth is our very own Sun, so we have an example nearby that astronomers can study in detail. The lessons we learn about the Sun can be applied to other stars.

LET ME TELL YOU MORE ABOUT THE SUN. Star's life is a constant struggle against the force of gravity. Gravity constantly works to try and cause the star to collapse. The star's core, however is very hot which creates pressure within the gas. This pressure couteracts the force of gravity, putting the star into what is called hydrostatic equiliburum. A star is okay as long as the star has this equilibrium between gravity pulling the star inwards and pressure pushing the star outwards.