Archive · 31 May 2025
JWST Uncovers Hidden Galaxies with Active Black Holes
Imagine giant black holes hiding in the early universe, surrounded by a lot of dust.
Scientists, using a super-powerful telescope called James Webb, have found many of these hidden black holes, called AGNs.
These AGNs might be related to other things in space called quasars and 'Little Red Dots.'
Scientists are trying to figure out how these things are connected and how they formed so long ago.
They are now planning to look at more of these objects to solve the mystery.
James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) revealed hidden active galactic nuclei (AGNs).
These AGNs, obscured by dust, are potentially bridging the gap between quasars and 'Little Red Dots' (LRDs).
Scientists, including Dale Kocevski and Jorryt Matthee, are studying the connection between AGNs, quasars, and LRDs.
JWST observations indicate many previously hidden quasars existed in the early universe.
Researchers plan future observations to further understand the nature of LRDs.
- Who
- Scientists using the James Webb Space Telescope
- What
- Discovered a population of hidden active galactic nuclei (AGNs) that may help connect quasars and Little Red Dots.
- When
- Findings were reported on May 7, 2025, in the preprint database arXiv. The discovery happened in December 2022
- Where
- The early universe; observations made using the James Webb Space Telescope.
- Why
- To understand the formation and evolution of galaxies, particularly the relationship between AGNs, quasars, and Little Red Dots in the early universe.
- Telescope
- James Webb Space Telescope (JWST)
- Discovery
- Hidden active galactic nuclei (AGNs)
- Related objects
- Quasars and Little Red Dots
- Lead Researcher
- Dale Kocevski
- Publication date
- May 7, 2025
- Focus
- Early universe