ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Circumstellar envelope

Imagine you are standing outside on a cold day wearing your warm jacket. Your jacket helps keep you warm by trapping your body heat close to your skin. Similarly, stars have a layer of gas and dust that surrounds them called a circumstellar envelope. This envelope helps keep the star warm by trapping its heat close to its surface.

The term "circumstellar" means "around the star," and "envelope" means "a covering layer." So, a circumstellar envelope is a layer of gas and dust that surrounds a star. It's like a cozy blanket that keeps the star warm and helps protect it from harsh space conditions.

The envelope is made up of gas and dust particles that have been blown off the surface of the star. These particles can be seen through telescopes and are often colorful and beautiful.

Scientists study circumstellar envelopes to learn more about different aspects of stars, such as how they form and age. They can also learn about the different chemicals present in the envelope, which can give clues about the star's composition and evolutionary history.

Just like you need to put on a jacket to stay warm, stars need their circumstellar envelopes to stay cozy too!
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