<span>The four main stages of the sun's predicted evolution in order from beginning to end are as follows:
main sequence (when a star's core is fusing hydrogen);
red giant (larger star, where no hydrogen remains in the core);
planetary nebula (surrounds an aging star; ring shaped nebula made of gas); and
white dwarf (smaller star that tends to be as large as an actual planet; after nebula state).</span>
