... News . ... Star Atlas . ... New theory of star formation . Small "helper" stars are needed for formation of massive stars. ... In order for a rare, massive star to form inside an interstellar cloud of gas and dust, small "helper" stars about the size of the Sun must first set the stage, according to a new theory proposed by astrophysicists at the University of California, Berkeley, and Princeton University. ... Only registered members of Astronomy.com are allowed to comment on this article. ...