Stars A Very Short Introduction

Every atom in our bodies has been part of a star. This Very Short Introduction provides a modern, authoritative look at how stars live, produce elements beyond helium, and die in spectacular ways, leaving remnants such as black holes. The book explains why understanding stars is key to grasping the galaxies they inhabit, the history of the Universe, and the existence of planets like our own. It also explores the mechanisms by which stars form, the processes that power their light, and the outcomes of their eventual death.

Author: Andrew King. Publisher: Oxford University Press. Edition: Geïllustreerd, Paperback. Pages: 144. Publication date: 2012.

This concise guide links stellar processes to the broader cosmos, helping readers see how stellar life cycles shape the structure and evolution of galaxies and the Universe. It presents a clear path from the birth of stars to their luminous phases and final fates, including dramatic end states that influence surrounding space.

• Stars create elements heavier than helium
• Their life cycles shape galaxies and cosmic history
• Stars form, shine, and eventually die
• Death can leave black holes as remnants
• 144-page illustrated paperback edition by Oxford University Press