What role does gravity play in the formation of the stars and planets?

Gravity is the fundamental force that drives the formation of stars and planets by pulling together gas and dust in space. As these materials collapse under their own gravitational attraction, they form denser regions that eventually lead to the birth of stars. In the surrounding disk of material, gravity causes particles to coalesce and form larger bodies, eventually leading to the creation of planets. Thus, gravity is essential in shaping the structure and evolution of solar systems.