Exploding Stars

A star is an object in space made of hydrogen and helium atoms. It makes its own light energy and heat energy when hydrogen atoms combine to make helium. (Atoms are described.) Stars are born inside a huge cloud of gas and dust and die when they run out of the hydrogen they use for fuel. A big star that runs out of fuel ends its life in a huge, very bright explosion called a supernova and leaves behind a cloud of gas and dust called a nebula. A supernova can also leave behind a white dwarf star or a black hole. A supernova explosion blasts the dying star's matter into space, scattering many different kinds of atoms into the universe. All the atoms that make up everything on Earth were once part of stars. You are made from stars too! Pronunciation guide included. 24 pages filled with engaging, colorful illustrations. Reading Level 1-3, Interest Level 2-5, Word count 271, Lexile measure 560L.