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Euclid Doubles Ancient Quasar Count, Uncovers Two 670-Myr Giants

7/12/2026

Summary

Story summary

ESA announced on 6 July 2026 that Euclid discovered 31 ancient quasars, doubling the known count.
The two oldest, EUCL J172902.75+641018.1 (z = 7.77) and EUCL J125308.55+705432.3 (z = 7.69), date to 670 million years after the Big Bang, 13 billion light-years away.
Each quasar shines with light comparable to a trillion suns, powered by supermassive black holes.
Researchers say the find helps explain rapid black-hole growth and plan observations to measure masses and surrounding material.

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Story summary

ESA announced on 6 July 2026 that Euclid discovered 31 ancient quasars, doubling the known count.
The two oldest, EUCL J172902.75+641018.1 (z = 7.77) and EUCL J125308.55+705432.3 (z = 7.69), date to 670 million years after the Big Bang, 13 billion light-years away.
Each quasar shines with light comparable to a trillion suns, powered by supermassive black holes.
Researchers say the find helps explain rapid black-hole growth and plan observations to measure masses and surrounding material.