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JWST Reveals Hidden Quasars Could Double Early Universe Population

9/23/2025

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Summary

Story summary

James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) finds quasars may be twice as common, hidden behind dust.
Seven galaxies with broad emission lines are confirmed quasars; dust blocked 70% of visible light.
Powered by supermassive black holes billions of solar masses, they imply a larger early-universe population; JWST spectral data and Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) will search for more.

History

Historical Context

The Hubble Space Telescope, launched on April 24, 1990, transformed astronomy by revealing over 1,400 quasars and advancing our understanding of supermassive black holes. Recent findings from the James Webb Space Telescope suggest quasars may be twice as common, indicating a richer early universe. This evolution in cosmic observation underscores the importance of advanced telescopes like ALMA in exploring galaxy formation.

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Story summary

James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) finds quasars may be twice as common, hidden behind dust.
Seven galaxies with broad emission lines are confirmed quasars; dust blocked 70% of visible light.
Powered by supermassive black holes billions of solar masses, they imply a larger early-universe population; JWST spectral data and Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) will search for more.

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