Every star generates a stellar wind of particles that causes a continual outflow of gas into space. For most stars, the mass lost is negligible. The Sun loses 10 M ☉ every year, or about 0.01% of its total mass over its entire lifespan. However, very massive stars can lose 10 to 10 M ☉ each year, significantly affecting their evolution. Stars that begin with more than 50 M ☉ can lose over half their total mass while on the main sequence.