Massive stars undergo a series of transformations throughout their life cycle. Initially, they burn hydrogen in their core, which produces helium. As the star runs out of hydrogen, it begins to burn helium, producing heavier elements such as carbon and oxygen. This process continues, with the star producing heavier and heavier elements until iron is formed.

When the core of the star is mostly iron, it can no longer sustain nuclear fusion, and the core collapses under its own gravity. This collapse triggers a supernova explosion, which blows off the outer layers of the star.

What remains after the supernova depends on the mass of the original star. If the star was between about 8 and 20 times the mass of the sun, the core collapse will leave behind a neutron star. Neutron stars are incredibly dense - a teaspoon

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Massive stars undergo a series of transformations throughout their life cycle. Initially, they burn hydrogen in their core, which produces helium. As the star runs out of hydrogen, it begins to burn helium, producing heavier elements such as carbon and oxygen. This process continues, with the star producing heavier and heavier elements until iron is formed.

When the core of the star is mostly iron, it can no longer sustain nuclear fusion, and the core collapses under its own gravity. This collapse triggers a supernova explosion, which blows off the outer layers of the star.

What remains after the supernova depends on the mass of the original star. If the star was between about 8 and 20 times the mass of the sun, the core collapse will leave behind a neutron star. Neutron stars are incredibly dense - a teaspoon

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Massive stars undergo a series of transformations throughout their life cycle. Initially, they burn hydrogen in their core, which produces helium. As the star runs out of hydrogen, it begins to burn helium, producing heavier elements such as carbon and oxygen. This process continues, with the star producing heavier and heavier elements until iron is formed.

When the core of the star is mostly iron, it can no longer sustain nuclear fusion, and the core collapses under its own gravity. This collapse triggers a supernova explosion, which blows off the outer layers of the star.

What remains after the supernova depends on the mass of the original star. If the star was between about 8 and 20 times the mass of the sun, the core collapse will leave behind a neutron star. Neutron stars are incredibly dense - a teaspoon

Massive stars can become neutron stars, pulsars, or black holes.

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