| 1. As the core is compressed, heat is generated. |
| 2. The added heat excites the electrons, freeing them to form an electron cloud. |
| 3. As this cloud grows, it generates its own pressure to counteract the gravitational forces independent fusion and temperature. |
| 4. Stars whose mass is not large enough for gravity to overcome this "electron degenerate" pressure (about 1.4 Solar Masses) will stop compressing. |
| 5. Since these stars no longer compress, the fusion process will slow down and the star will begin to cool. This is known as a "White Dwarf". |