Question

a single _ can produce dozens to tens of thousands of stars.

Explanation:

Step1: Recall astronomical knowledge

In astronomy, a nebula is a large cloud of gas and dust in space.

Step2: Relate to star - formation

Nebulae are the birthplaces of stars. A single nebula has enough material (gas and dust) under the influence of gravitational collapse and other physical processes to form multiple stars.

Answer:

nebula