What is a primary indicator of how a star will form?

The primary indicator of how a star will form is related to the amount of gases and cosmic dust gathered. Stars form in regions of space where gas and dust from the interstellar medium accumulate. These regions, often referred to as molecular clouds or stellar nurseries, contain the necessary materials, primarily hydrogen, along with other gases and dust, which are crucial for star formation.

As these gases and dust particles come together under the influence of gravity, they collapse, increasing in density and temperature. When the core of this collapsing material becomes hot enough, thermonuclear fusion begins, leading to the birth of a new star. Thus, the presence and quantity of these materials play a crucial role in the star formation process.

Other options, while relevant to the context of stars, do not serve as the primary indicators of star formation. For instance, the position and temperature of nearby stars may influence the environment but are not the fundamental determinant of a star's formation. Similarly, products from thermonuclear fusion in other stars reflect ongoing processes rather than the conditions required for the initial formation. Gravitational attraction is vital in the collapse process, but it is the accumulation of gases and dust that fundamentally kick-starts star formation.