Planets · Stars · Physics
Accretion
Say it: uh-KREE-shun IPA: /əˈkriːʃən/ noun
Accretion: The growth of an astronomical object by collecting surrounding material.
A young star can grow by drawing in nearby gas. Material often circles in a disk before reaching the star, so accretion can involve a long inward journey.
- Example
- The young star gained mass through accretion from its surrounding disk.
- Why astronomers use it
- It helps explain how stars gain mass and why material falling toward compact objects can shine so brightly.
- Tiny cosmic connection
- The glow near a feeding black hole comes from material outside it; light does not escape from inside the event horizon.
Observatory Planets Stars Physics
Where to check it
Written for Cool Moon Facts in its own words; the sources cover the same idea in more depth.