Hydrogen Burning

Hydrogen burning, also known as nuclear fusion, occurs in stars when hydrogen nuclei (protons) collide at extremely high temperatures and pressures, causing them to fuse into helium. This process releases a tremendous amount of energy as light and heat, which powers the star and produces its brightness. Essentially, hydrogen burning is the star’s way of converting hydrogen into energy through nuclear reactions, sustaining the star over millions or billions of years. It is the fundamental process that fuels stars like our Sun, providing the energy necessary for their stability and luminosity.