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

PBS News Hour

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
Watch • 57:46
PBS News Hour
January 8, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
January 8, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
Episode: S2026 E8 | 57:46
Watch • 6:20
PBS News Hour
Protesters push for accountability after ICE shooting
Minnesota leaders and protesters push for accountability after ICE shooting
Clip: S2026 E8 | 6:20
Watch • 4:41
PBS News Hour
Trump invites Colombia's leader to White House
In turnaround from earlier threats, Trump invites Colombia's leader to the White House
Clip: S2026 E8 | 4:41
Watch • 4:42
PBS News Hour
News Wrap: Internet, phone service shut off in Iran
News Wrap: Internet and phone service shut off in Iran amid widening protests
Clip: S2026 E8 | 4:42
Watch • 6:03
PBS News Hour
What federal guidelines say about agents using deadly force
What federal guidelines say about agents using deadly force
Clip: S2026 E8 | 6:03
Watch • 6:06
PBS News Hour
Senate moves to restrict military action in Venezuela
Senate moves to restrict Trump from taking further military action against Venezuela
Clip: S2026 E8 | 6:06
Watch • 7:18
PBS News Hour
Trump's foreign focus a distraction, Sen. Slotkin says
Trump focused on foreign affairs to distract from domestic challenges, Sen. Slotkin says
Clip: S2026 E8 | 7:18
Watch • 8:51
PBS News Hour
Rep. Zinke on Trump, Maduro and war powers
Zinke supports Trump action in Venezuela but sees no basis for action in Greenland
Clip: S2026 E8 | 8:51
Watch • 7:47
PBS News Hour
Inside the real Pittsburgh hospital behind HBO's 'The Pitt'
Inside the real Pittsburgh hospital behind HBO's 'The Pitt'
Clip: S2026 E8 | 7:47
Watch • 4:19
PBS News Hour
Ex-ICE chief: Rush to judgment after shooting irresponsible
Ex-ICE chief calls DHS rush to judgment after Minneapolis shooting ‘irresponsible’
Clip: S2026 E7 | 4:19