protostar
A stage in the evolution of a young star after it has fragmented from a interstellar gas cloud but before it has collapsed sufficiently for nuclear fusion reactions to begin. It may last from 100,000 to 10 million years, depending on the mass of the star. A protostar is surrounded by a dense cocoon of gas and dust that blocks visible light, but allows through large amounts of far infrared and microwave radiation.
Related entries
Related category
• TYPES OF STAR
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