Accretion is the process by which particles in space stick together to form larger bodies, such as planets and stars. This occurs through collisions and gravitational attraction, leading to the growth of celestial objects.
Planetesimal: A small body formed from dust and gas during the early stages of planetary formation.
Protoplanetary Disk: A rotating disk of dense gas and dust surrounding a newly formed star, within which planets may form.
Gravitational Collapse: The contraction of an astronomical object due to its own gravity, often leading to the formation of stars or black holes.