© 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
January 4, 2026 - PBS News Weekend full episode
Trump’s intervention in Venezuela sparks mixed views of U.S. around the world
News Wrap: Heavy rains, king tides create dangerous conditions in northern California
Emerging field of culinary medicine helps fight diseases through better food
Venezuelans face uncertainty while awaiting Trump’s next moves with the country
News Wrap: Iran vows crackdown on ‘rioters’ amid protests over economy
Trump says U.S. will ‘run’ Venezuela after capturing Maduro in surprise military strike
Why San Francisco is suing top U.S. food manufacturers over ultra-processed foods
How Venezuelans in Caracas are reacting to Maduro’s capture by U.S. forces
Former U.S. ambassador to Venezuela analyzes goal of Maduro regime change