The lives of stars

Stars & Stellar Evolution

Stars are giant balls of glowing gas, born inside clouds in space. Every star has a life story - and how it ends depends on how heavy it is. Watch the whole cycle, then explore each stage.

A star evolving from nebula to supernova.

The life cycle of a star

Every star is born, lives and dies. Follow the stages in order - tap any to explore it.

Stars in real light

Tall columns of gas and dust glowing against a field of stars. — The Pillars of Creation, a nursery where new stars form. Credit: NASA, ESA, CSA (JWST), via Wikimedia Commons.