The mass of a star is the dominant factor in determining its ultimate fate. Stars with different masses undergo different evolutionary paths and experience different types of death.

A supernova is a cataclysmic explosion that occurs when a massive star reaches the end of its life. It is characterized by a sudden and dramatic increase in brightness.

Depending on the mass of the progenitor star, a supernova can leave behind either a black hole or a neutron star. If the mass is sufficiently high, the gravitational collapse will result in the formation of a black hole.

Stellar wind is a continuous outflow of gas from the outer layers of a star. It is driven by various mechanisms, including radiation pressure and magnetic fields.

A planetary nebula is a short-lived phase in the evolution of certain stars. During this stage, the star ejects its outer layers, revealing its hot core, which emits intense ultraviolet radiation.

A white dwarf is a stellar remnant that is composed primarily of carbon and oxygen. It is supported against further collapse by electron degeneracy pressure.

A black hole is a region of spacetime where gravity is so strong that nothing, not even light, can escape. It is the final fate of massive stars that undergo a supernova explosion.

A neutron star is a stellar remnant that is composed primarily of neutrons. It is supported against further collapse by neutron degeneracy pressure.

A red giant is a star that has exhausted its hydrogen fuel and is now burning heavier elements in its core. It is characterized by a large size and high luminosity.

The main sequence is the phase in a star's life where it is burning hydrogen in its core through nuclear fusion reactions. This is the longest and most stable phase in a star's life.

Novae are sudden and dramatic eruptions on the surface of a star, which result in the ejection of mass and the formation of a bipolar nebula.

A planetary nebula is a short-lived phase in the evolution of certain stars. During this stage, the star ejects its outer layers, revealing its hot core, which emits intense ultraviolet radiation.

A white dwarf is a stellar remnant that is composed primarily of carbon and oxygen. It is supported against further collapse by electron degeneracy pressure.

A black hole is a region of spacetime where gravity is so strong that nothing, not even light, can escape. It is the final fate of massive stars that undergo a supernova explosion.