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Scientists reveal brightest entity in universe, indicating it may not be the Sun

News - Feb 20, 2024
Scientists reveal brightest entity in universe, indicating it may not be the Sun

In a groundbreaking revelation, scientists have made an astonishing discovery, unveiling what could potentially be the brightest object ever observed in the universe. 

Surprisingly, it surpasses the radiance of our Sun, capturing the attention of researchers around the world.

Scientists found a quasar 500 billion times brighter than the Sun

While our Sun shines with a remarkable intensity of 35.73 octillion lumens, causing it too bright to be observed directly, scientists have now discovered an object that surpasses even its brilliance. 

A new entity was discovered in the universe. Image Credit: Getty
A new entity was discovered in the universe. Image Credit: Getty

This newfound entity is estimated to be an astounding 500 trillion times brighter, leaving experts in awe of its extraordinary luminosity.

The team of researchers led by Christian Wolf at the Australian National University in Canberra has identified this extraordinary entity as a quasar.

What is Quasar?

Quasars are a type of galactic core where the infall of gas and dust into a supermassive black hole generates electromagnetic radiation. 

They belong to a subclass of active galactic nuclei (AGN). The specific quasar in question, designated as J0529-4351, was initially spotted in 2022. 

An entity 500 billion times brighter than the sun is a quasar. Image Credit: Getty
An entity 500 billion times brighter than the sun is a quasar. Image Credit: Getty

However, its existence has only recently been brought to light following the publication of an article in Nature Astronomy.

J0529-4351 quasar devours the Sun every day

The team conducted further investigations in Chile to determine whether this quasar truly holds the title of the brightest entity in the known Universe. 

The study reveals that approximately a million quasars have been cataloged so far, making this particular discovery a remarkable achievement.

Despite the challenges, the researchers from the Australian National University succeeded in finding J0529-4351. 

The Sun is no longer the brightest entity in the universe. Image Credit: Getty
The Sun is no longer the brightest entity in the universe. Image Credit: Getty

This quasar is powered by a supermassive black hole, which happens to be the fastest-growing black hole in the universe. 

It devours a staggering 413 solar masses per year, equivalent to devouring an entire Sun daily. It's safe to say this quasar has quite a voracious appetite.

The estimated mass of the quasar itself ranges between five billion and 50 billion solar masses. 

Associate Professor Christian Wolf and his colleagues have made groundbreaking in this new discovery. Credits: Australian National University
Associate Professor Christian Wolf and his colleagues have made groundbreaking in this new discovery. Credits: Australian National University

According to Associate Professor Christian Wolf, J0529-4351 is "the most violent place that we know in the universe." 

As scientists publicize their latest discovery, they are captivated by its magnificence. This remarkable revelation has left them in awe, realizing that they may have encountered an amazing object.