Astronomers at the National Institute of Astrophysics (INAF) in Italy announced the discovery of a supermassive black hole dubbed BiRD, or Big Red Spot, using the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). The object, with a mass equivalent to 100 million times that of the Sun, was detected in the region around the quasar J1030+0524, located around 12.5 billion light years from Earth. This revelation occurred during analysis of infrared images captured by JWST’s NIRCam instrument, highlighting a bright, point source of light not recorded in previous X-ray and radio catalogs. The detection aims to shed light on the accelerated growth of these black holes in the early cosmos.
Light from BiRD traveled approximately 10 billion years to reach Earth, placing it at the time known as cosmic noon, approximately 4 billion years after the Big Bang. This period marked an intense phase of star formation and galactic activity. The black hole feeds on surrounding matter, forming a quasar visible at vast distances, but its spectral signature reveals peculiarities that link it to a mysterious class of objects.
Spectral analysis confirms unique composition
The team examined the BiRD spectrum, identifying absorption lines for ionized hydrogen, especially the Paschen gamma line, and helium. These signals made it possible to estimate the distance and mass of the object, revealing its relative proximity compared to other detected red dots.
Federica Loiacono, research leader and researcher at INAF, highlighted that the spectrum did not indicate an ordinary star, but rather an active black hole. The chemical and physical properties suggest denseof high gaseous and specific absorption of elements.
Comparison with two other similar red dots, such as the one nicknamed Rosetta Stone, showed similarities in line width, absorption and mass of the central black hole.
Origin of red dots in the early cosmos
Little red dots (LRDs) have emerged as JWST study targets since 2022, appearing as compact, reddish spots in infrared images. These objects defy traditional theories because they do not emit intense X-rays expected from powered black holes.
One hypothesis suggests that LRDs are seeds of supermassive black holes, enveloped in thick layers of gas and dust that block X-rays but allow infrared light to pass through. BiRD stands out for its luminosity, suggesting a transitional phase of growth.
Recent studies estimate that these objects persisted until cosmic noon, contradicting the idea that they would disappear sooner. The spatial density of LRDs in this era is calculated around values that indicate continued formation of black hole seeds.
- BiRD: redshift z ≈ 2.33, mass 10^8 solar masses.
- Rosetta Stone: z ≈ 2.26, similarities in helium lines.
- RUBIES-BLAGN-1: z ≈ 3.1, signs of gaseous outflows.
Distinctive characteristics of BiRD among LRDs
BiRD differs from other LRDs by its central position and superior brightness in the image around J1030, making it more accessible for detailed analysis. Its near-infrared detection reveals a composition dominated by ionized hydrogen and helium, with absorptions that point to gas outflows.
The absence of X-ray emissions reinforces the theory of dense envelopes, which absorb high-energy radiation. Researchers noted that the width of the spectral lines indicates high speeds of matter rotating around the black hole.
This cosmic proximity allows for more precise studies, contrasting with distant LRDs that require deeper observations. Loiacono emphasized the similarity with only two other confirmed objects, forming a rare family of sources.
The abundance calculation suggests that LRDs like BiRD were numerous at this time, implying efficiency in the formation of black hole seeds up to billions of years after the Big Bang.
Implications for the growth of black holes
JWST revolutionized extragalactic astrophysics by revealing objects like BiRD, which question models of evfast solution of black holes. These giants, with high initial masses, grew by mergers and accretion of matter on short time scales.
Theories propose seeds formed directly from the collapse of primordial gas clouds, avoiding the need for billions of years to reach supermassive sizes. BiRD exemplifies this pathway, with its mass suggesting ravenous accretion during cosmic noon.
Detection in well-studied fields, such as J1030, integrates data from multiple instruments, enhancing point source catalogs. Future observations aim to quantify the density of LRDs at z=2-3, based on bolometric luminosity and black hole mass.
JWST contributions to early studies
JWST’s NIRCam instrument captured calibrated images that allowed source cataloging in the field of J1030, isolating BiRD as a bright outlier. This infrared capability penetrates cosmic dust, revealing structures hidden in previous telescopes.
The research, published on October 30, 2025 in the journal Astronomy & Astrophysics, integrates data from surveys such as JADES and UNCOVER. These efforts compile samples from hundreds of LRDs, refining estimates of galaxy formation.
Loiacono concluded that the JWST ushers in an era of discovery, with plans to expand analysis to more nearby LRDs. This approach builds a more complete picture of early cosmic evolution.
The discovery reinforces the role of the telescope in unveiling the dawn of the universe, where black holes and galaxies became intertwined in dynamic processes.
