What event marks the successful transition of the hot, contracting core mass into a star?
Answer
Nuclear fusion ignites
The final stage in the gravitational collapse leading to star formation is contingent upon achieving extreme internal conditions within the dense core. Once the continuous inward pull of gravity has compressed and heated the central mass sufficiently high, the temperature and pressure meet the requisite threshold for nuclear fusion to commence. The ignition of this fusion reaction is the definitive event that signals the birth of a new star, marking the point where the object begins generating its own sustained energy.
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