The Basics
Quasars, or quasi-stellar objects, are extremely luminous active galactic nuclei powered by supermassive black holes. They emit more energy than hundreds of galaxies combined, making them some of the brightest objects in the universe.
What are Quasars?
How Quasars Work
A quasar is formed when a supermassive black hole consumes surrounding gas and dust, creating an accretion disk. The immense gravitational forces heat the material to millions of degrees, causing it to emit tremendous amounts of radiation across the electromagnetic spectrum.
Why Are Quasars Important?
Quasars provide valuable insights into the early universe, as most are located billions of light-years away. By studying them, scientists can learn about galaxy formation, the distribution of matter in the universe, and the behavior of black holes.