Star formation is the process by which dense regions within molecular clouds collapse under their own gravity to form stars. This process begins with the accumulation of gas and dust, leading to the creation of protostars. As these protostars gather more material, they heat up and eventually ignite nuclear fusion, marking the birth of a new star.
The environment in which star formation occurs is crucial, as factors like temperature, density, and turbulence influence the rate and efficiency of star creation. Regions rich in hydrogen and helium are particularly conducive to star formation, giving rise to various types of stars, including massive stars and red dwarfs.