© 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 • 5:46
PBS News Hour
News Wrap: Jan. 6 officers sue to block $1.8B fund
News Wrap: Officers who defended Capitol on Jan. 6 sue to block $1.8B fund
Clip: S2026 E104 | 5:46
Watch • 4:49
PBS News Hour
Soman Chainani joins Amna Nawaz on 'Settle In'
Soman Chainani and Amna Nawaz discuss politics for young Americans on 'Settle In'
Clip: S2026 E104 | 4:49
Watch • 57:46
PBS News Hour
May 20, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
May 20, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
Episode: S2026 E104 | 57:46
Watch • 9:20
PBS News Hour
U.S. indicts Raúl Castro in latest escalation with Cuba
U.S. indicts Cuba's Raúl Castro in latest escalation of tensions
Clip: S2026 E104 | 9:20
Watch • 7:57
PBS News Hour
Ex-IRS chief: Trump tax settlement a 'dangerous precedent'
DOJ's tax settlement with Trump sets 'dangerous precedent,' former IRS commissioner says
Clip: S2026 E104 | 7:57
Watch • 3:49
PBS News Hour
Xi hosts Putin in Beijing, cementing China-Russia alliance
Xi hosts Putin in Beijing, cementing China-Russia alliance after Trump's visit
Clip: S2026 E104 | 3:49
Watch • 8:29
PBS News Hour
Denmark's green energy investments shield it from shock
How Denmark’s wind and solar investments shield it from global energy turmoil
Clip: S2026 E104 | 8:29
Watch • 5:29
PBS News Hour
Sophia Nelson on living up to America's founding principles
Sophia Nelson on 'Redefining Freedom' and living up to America's founding principles
Clip: S2026 E104 | 5:29
Watch • 6:56
PBS News Hour
Trump tightens grip on GOP as critics ousted in primaries
A look at Trump's grip on the GOP as his critics are ousted in primaries
Clip: S2026 E104 | 6:56
Watch • 57:46
PBS News Hour
May 19, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
May 19, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
Episode: S2026 E103 | 57:46