Although the Sun does not generate energy by gravitational contraction today,this energy-generation mechanism was important when the Sun was forming.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When the Sun was forming, it generated energy through gravitational contraction, as the inward pull of gravity caused the gas and dust to heat up and eventually form a protostar. However, once the core of the nascent Sun became dense and hot enough, nuclear fusion began and became the dominant energy-generation mechanism. Today, the Sun continues to shine through nuclear fusion reactions in its core.

Although the Sun Does Not Generate Energy by Gravitational Contraction