Star formation is the process by which dense regions of interstellar gas and dust collapse under their own gravitational pull to form new stars. This process occurs in regions known as molecular clouds, where the gas and dust are dense enough for gravitational forces to overcome outward pressure. As the cloud collapses, the material at the center heats up and begins nuclear fusion, creating a new star. Researchers study star formation to understand the physical processes involved in the birth of stars, as well as the factors that influence the rate and efficiency of star formation. This research involves observations of young stellar objects, analysis of molecular clouds, and simulations of the complex physics involved in the formation of stars. Understanding star formation is important for understanding the evolution of galaxies, the formation of planetary systems, and the origins of life.