Astronomers using the James Webb Space Telescope have uncovered a cosmic mystery: a ‘little red dot’ 12 billion light-years away that may be a rare ‘black hole star.’ This distant galaxy is so densely packed with stars that scientists believe stellar collisions occur roughly once every month—a rate unheard of in our present-day universe.
The Mystery of the ‘Little Red Dot’
Researchers describe this object as a potential ‘black hole star,’ a theoretical type of star that forms when a black hole grows inside a massive star, consuming its core but leaving the outer layers intact. Observing such an object would offer critical clues about the early universe and how supermassive black holes first emerged.
Why This Discovery Matters
Experts are amazed by the incredible star density in this ancient galaxy. The Webb telescope’s advanced sensors allow astronomers to peer farther back in time than ever before, helping us unravel the secrets of galaxy formation and black hole evolution. As scientists examine more data, we may soon confirm whether this ‘little red dot’ truly hosts a ‘black hole star.’
Sources:
https://studyfinds.org/little-red-dot-black-hole-star-webb-space-telescope/
