© 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: Rubio tries to assure Congress that talks with Iran are continuing
Trump’s mass deportation campaign takes a toll on college students
Why Sting challenges himself to push his artistry into new forms
As Russia pounds Ukrainian cities, Kyiv tries to turn the tide with battlefront innovation
June 2, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
Journalist discusses the ripple effects of extremism on a small American town
Justice Department scraps Trump’s ‘anti-weaponization fund’ after pushback from Congress
What to know about Trump’s controversial pick of Bill Pulte for acting spy chief
June 1, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
Trump's 'anti-weaponization' fund hits setback amid political pressure from Republicans