Stars are continuous nuclear explosions! Not simply fixed masses of hot gas, stars are a balance of two enormous forces: gravity and nuclear fusion. On its own, gravity would crush a star into the oblivion of a black hole or other super-dense entity. But nuclear fusion pushes back, releasing so much energy that the outer layers of the star are literally blown away, aloft from the core, and in equilibrium with gravity. From lightyears away, these cataclysmic explosions flutter as faint candles in our night sky.

Stars live a looong time, billions of years, but eventually the fuel of fusion runs out and gravity prevails. In the span of the universe, stars exist as temporary states of matter that will one day transition into other things. Much of their mass will be crushed. But in the process, many will fuse carbon, the other elements of life, and form planetary nebula. Later, these nebula may condense into new stars and planets, and perhaps be part of some other temporary state of matter lucky enough to be able think about it.

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Frame not included. Please note that color and brightness vary on all devices and may appear differently on your screen.

This is a high quality print of an original oil painting. It is printed with archival, pigmented inks on fine matte finish paper and lightly signed at the lower right. I put a lot of time into making sure my prints look great and I get lots of compliments on them!

Measures 12 x 16 inches plus a half inch white border. Shipped rolled and well protected inside a tube by USPS mail.

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask!

Rob Rey Art retains all rights to the image, do not copy without permission. Watermarks and copyright notices will not appear on your print.