Galactic star formation

Galactic star formation occurs in dense regions within galaxies called molecular clouds, which are vast, cold clouds of gas and dust. Under the influence of gravity, parts of these clouds collapse over time, heating and increasing in density until nuclear fusion ignites, creating new stars. This process can take millions of years and is influenced by factors like nearby shock waves or galactic interactions that help trigger the collapse. The birth of stars also spawns planets, moons, and possibly life, shaping the evolution of galaxies over cosmic time.