What is the composition of the initial interstellar cloud material that forms a star?

Answer

Cold hydrogen and helium gas, along with trace amounts of heavier elements and dust

The starting material for any star is an interstellar cloud comprised primarily of cold hydrogen and helium gas, typically hovering just above absolute zero, along with trace amounts of heavier elements and dust.

What is the composition of the initial interstellar cloud material that forms a star?
star formationastrophysicsprotostarsstellar physicsheat generation