How do we know how the stars work? If you have not been interested in astronomy before, how do you think the stars produce energy?

We understand how stars work primarily through the study of physics and astronomy. Here's a simplified step-by-step explanation:

1. Stars are made up of gases, primarily hydrogen and helium. These gases are held together by the star's own gravity.

2. In the core of the star, the pressure and temperature are so high that hydrogen atoms combine to form helium in a process called nuclear fusion. This process releases a tremendous amount of energy in the form of light and heat.

3. This energy slowly makes its way from the core to the surface of the star, causing the star to shine. This is the light we see when we look at stars in the night sky.

4. Over time, the star uses up its hydrogen. When this happens, the star can expand and become a red giant, or collapse and become a white dwarf, neutron star, or black hole, depending on its mass.

5. The process of nuclear fusion in stars is responsible for creating all the heavier elements in the universe. When a star explodes in a supernova, these elements are scattered into space, where they can form new stars and planets.

If you haven't been interested in astronomy before, you might think that stars produce energy in the same way that a fire does - by burning fuel. However, the process is actually much more complex and involves nuclear reactions at the atomic level.