Star formation. Image 2 of 2. Artwork of the first ignition of a new star after it coalesced from a cloud of gas and dust. Stars form when gas clouds contract under their own gravity. The gas increases in density and temperature as it contracts, eventually becoming hot enough for nuclear reactions to start. The initial ignition of a new star then blows away much of the surrounding material. Gas clouds rotate as they contract, which flattens the material into a disc. In the surrounding disc of gas and dust (white), planets and other bodies can form. For an image of this star before it had formed from the gas cloud, see R590/100.

Photo website with Rights Managed and Royalty Free stock photos, images, illustrations and footage available for download immediately for commercial and editorial uses. Aflo is a leading independent supplier and producer of stock pictures and visual content. Search and find high quality images and video for design, print, web-use and publishing. Buy photos from our extensive collection of model released and property released sports images. Search some of the most beautiful travel and landscape pictures from our own photographers and license from our large collection of content, modern and archive, focusing on Japan. We provide free research. Register for personal account management and for full use of our Stock Photography website and start to download images now.