Bizarre & wonderful · Earlier selection
A supercomputer offers an explanation for Webb’s little red dots
Simulations suggest some of the tiny red objects seen in the early universe could be black holes growing inside dense clouds of gas.

Japan’s National Astronomical Observatory reported the modelling on 17 September. In the simulations, nearby radiation suppresses ordinary star formation and helps massive black-hole seeds develop. Their predicted properties resemble the observed dots, but a successful model is not proof that every object has that origin.
GO TO THE SOURCE
National Astronomical Observatory of Japan ↗ (opens a new tab)Primary institutional report or research paper, independently condensed. Findings and proposals are attributed to the source, with their limitations; no source prose, charts or photography reproduced.
AI-assisted original summary, checked against the linked source on 20 Sept 2026, 01:29 BST. Illustration is AI generated and does not document the event.
Report an error or rights concern