- A Potential Primordial Black Hole: A Game‑Changer
Astronomers may have detected a primordial black hole, dubbed QSO1, dating from just after the Big Bang — over 13 billion years ago. At around 50 million solar masses, this black hole appears to have formed far earlier than conventional theories would allow. This discovery challenges our understanding of cosmic formation and supports long-standing hypotheses that black holes could have formed directly from early gravitational collapse. (The Guardian)
- The Strange Comet 3I/ATLAS: Carbon‑Dioxide Heavy — and Very Old
The interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS, only the third confirmed visitor from beyond our solar system, exhibits one of the highest CO₂-to-water ratios ever observed. JWST data suggests it may have formed near a CO₂ ice line or endured intense radiation, and its size—up to ~3.5 miles in diameter—could make it one of the largest known. Its passage through the Solar System is expected to continue through mid‑2026. (Live Science, Chron)
- The “Cosmic Owl”: A Rare Galactic Collision
JWST has uncovered an extraordinary structure nicknamed the “Cosmic Owl”, created by the collision of two ring galaxies about 11 billion light-years away. The twin galactic cores resemble owl eyes, with a “beak” formed by a shockwave-induced starburst region. Such formations are extremely rare and offer a unique window into early-universe star formation and black hole activity. (Live Science)
- FRB Flashback: Locating the Source of the Brightest Radio Burst
In a standout multi-observatory achievement, JWST helped pinpoint the origin of a record-breaking fast radio burst (FRB 20250316A) to a specific region in galaxy NGC 4141, about 130 million light-years away. The source appears to be a large star—possibly a red giant—suggesting the involvement of a neutron star or magnetar. This marks the first time astronomers have resolved individual stars in an FRB host, advancing our grasp of these mysterious cosmic signals. (Live Science)
- Glimmers from the Butterfly Nebula: Clues to Planetary Building Blocks
JWST’s new infrared imagery of the Butterfly Nebula (NGC 6302)—a stellar deathbed about 3,400 light‑years away—has revealed hidden structures: a dusty torus, energy jets, and signatures of quartz, iron, nickel, and carbon molecules (PAHs). These compounds are essential for rocky planet formation, shedding light on the recycling of materials in the galaxy. (Live Science)