© 2026 Michigan State University Board of Trustees
Public Media from Michigan State University
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

A look at what might be the brightest object in the universe

Season 2024 Episode 57 | 1m 09s

According to a paper published this past week in the journal Nature Astronomy, scientists found what could be the brightest known object in the universe: a quasar produced by a massive and voracious black hole. It’s estimated to be emitting light that’s 500 trillion times more intense than Earth’s sun. John Yang has more.

Major corporate funding for the PBS News Hour is provided by BDO, BNSF, Consumer Cellular, American Cruise Lines, and Raymond James. Funding for the PBS NewsHour Weekend is provided by Consumer Cellular and Cunard Cruise Line. For a complete list of funders for the PBS NewsHour and PBS NewsHour weekend, click here.
Extras
News Wrap: Colorado Gov. Polis commuting sentence of Tina Peters
Primary challenge to Louisiana Sen. Cassidy tests Trump's grip on GOP
Brooks and Capehart on Trump's trip to China
How to recognize and block AI-powered scam attempts
Jerome Powell's impact and legacy at the Federal Reserve
Trump's 'elaborate' praise of Xi at China summit made U.S. look weak, ex-ambassador says
Trump and Xi pledge 'strategic stability' but key questions remain unanswered
May 15, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
China offers Trump grand welcome, but issues warning on Taiwan
May 14, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode