Open cluster NGC 290 Stars in the open cluster NGC 290, as seen by the Hubble Space Telescope. (more) What’s the Difference Between Planets and Stars? Ask the Chatbot a Question More Actions Share Share Share to social media Facebook X URL https://www.britannica.com/science/Whats-the-Difference-Between-Planets-and-Stars Feedback Corrections? Updates? Omissions? Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). Feedback Type Select a type (Required) Factual Correction Spelling/Grammar Correction Link Correction Additional Information Other Your Feedback Submit Feedback Thank you for your feedback Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article.

　　External Websites Ask the Chatbot a Question Written and fact-checked by The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica Last Updated: Mar 4, 2025 • Article History Table of Contents Table of Contents Ask the Chatbot Stars are essentially cosmic furnaces, burning bright and hot due to nuclear fusion reactions occurring in their cores. This process involves the fusion of hydrogen atoms into helium, releasing a tremendous amount of energy in the form of light and heat. Stars, such as the Sun, are the celestial celebrities of the universe, shining brightly and often stealing the spotlight in the night sky. In contrast, planets are more like the supporting actors, reflecting the light of their star rather than producing their own. They lack the mass and temperature required to initiate nuclear fusion, which is why they do ...(100 of 106 words)

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