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Open cluster NGC 290
Stars in the open cluster NGC 290, as seen by the Hubble Space Telescope.
What’s the Difference Between Planets and Stars?
- Related Topics:
- star
- nuclear fusion
- planet
Stars are essentially cosmic furnaces, burning bright and hot due to nuclear fusion reactions occurring in their cores. This process involves the fusion of hydrogen atoms into helium, releasing a tremendous amount of energy in the form of light and heat. Stars, such as the Sun, are the celestial celebrities of the universe, shining brightly and often stealing the spotlight in the night sky. In contrast, planets are more like the supporting actors, reflecting the light of their star rather than producing their own. They lack the mass and temperature required to initiate nuclear fusion, which is why they do not glow with their own light.