# Astronomers Discover 'Black Hole Star' Phenomenon James Webb Telescope reveals a mysterious cosmic object from the universe's infancy. - **Source:** [Science Latest](https://brifing.si/source/ebc20f22-8d1a-4ae4-ba4c-efcd0853ba19) - **Published:** 2026-08-16 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/6b7e908d-8146-4cbb-9a5b-ed4db83d074e ## A New Cosmic Phenomenon Research published in Nature reveals the discovery of 'black hole stars' - objects the size of our solar system glowing red in deep space. Observations by the James Webb Space Telescope uncovered these extraordinary entities from when the universe was just 660 million years old. Scientists believe these objects appear like giant stars but may actually be black holes shrouded in extremely dense gas. ## The Peculiar Properties of MoM-BH*-1 The study's focal object, MoM-BH*-1, emits energy levels impossible to explain through nuclear fusion - 100 billion times more than any star. Even for the early universe, it's considered exceptionally bright. The sudden disappearance of part of its light defies conventional star behavior explanations. ## The Black Hole Star Hypothesis Researchers propose these objects contain a central black hole consuming matter, surrounded by a massive gas envelope. This model explains how energy acquires starlike characteristics while passing through the gas layers. The hypothesis could also explain the origin of other mysterious red dots Webb has detected. ## Mysterious Dots in the Early Universe Webb has identified numerous small red dots in the early universe with uncertain origins. Scientific explanations range from star-packed compact galaxies to dust-obscured black holes or systems completely different from contemporary cosmic structures. Black hole stars represent another potential explanation for these anomalies. ## A Black Hole Outshining Its Galaxy What makes MoM-BH*-1 unique is how its black hole star nearly completely overshadows its host galaxy. MIT's Rohan Naidu notes, 'We're seeing pure black hole star light,' highlighting this unprecedented scenario. This phenomenon could reshape our understanding of black holes' role in cosmic evolution. ## Webb's Revolutionary Impact Launched in 2021, the James Webb Telescope investigates the earliest cosmic epochs. Its infrared capabilities provide unprecedented data about the universe's first stars and galaxies. This discovery represents the latest in Webb's series of groundbreaking contributions to astronomy. ## The Universe's Youth Observing the universe at 660 million years old (compared to its current 13.8 billion years) lets scientists study one of cosmic history's most turbulent periods. Matter density and energy levels during this era likely created physical processes vastly different from those we observe today. ## A New Chapter in Astronomy The black hole star discovery opens a new research field that will test established cosmological theories. It may answer fundamental questions about how early universe black holes grew so rapidly. Future Webb observations will provide deeper insights into these mysterious objects' true nature. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.wired.com/story/black-hole-stars-are-becoming-less-hypothetical/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._