Astronomers have made a record-breaking, shining discovery with the help of the European Southern Observatory’s (ESO) Very Large Telescope (VLT) by spotting the brightest quasar ever found, which is now being called the most luminous cosmic object in space.

Astronomers have made a record-breaking, shining discovery with the help of the European Southern Observatory’s (ESO) Very Large Telescope (VLT) by spotting the brightest quasar ever found, which is now being called the most luminous cosmic object in space. Quasars are the shining cores of distant galaxies that get their powers from the supermassive black holes. The reason why this quasar is shining brightest is because its black hole is growing mass and has emerged as the fastest-growing black hole to have been found to date. The matter is collected from the surroundings by such black holes through a process that is so energetic that it releases vast amounts of light. Also Read: Earth's mantle is hosting strange 'black holes' with mysterious waves. Here's what they are The light released is so high in amount that some of the quasars turn out to be the brightest objects in our sky. Generally, the most luminous quasars are just indications of the fastest-growing supermassive black holes lurking in space. “We have discovered the fastest-growing black hole known to date. It has a mass of 17 billion Suns, and eats just over a Sun per day. This makes it the most luminous object in the known Universe,” said Christian Wolf, who is the lead author of the study published in Nature Astronomy and an astronomer at the Australian National University (ANU). How the supermassive black hole is making quasar shine The quasar, which is known as J0529-4351, is so distant from Earth that its light travelled over 12 billion years to reach our planet. The matter which is getting pulled into its black hole, like a disc, has been emitting too much energy, because of which the quasar is more than 500 trillion times more luminous in comparison to the Sun. “All this light comes from a hot accretion disc that measures seven light-years in diameter — this must be the largest accretion disc in the Universe," said ANU PhD student and co-author Samuel Lai. Watch: Black hole 'moons' may signal advanced alien life This quasar was hiding in plain sight till it was found. “It is a surprise that it has remained unknown until today, when we already know about a million less impressive quasars. It has literally been staring us in the face until now,” said co-author Christopher Onken, an astronomer at ANU. He said that this cosmic object appeared in images from the ESO Schmidt Southern Sky Survey, which date back to 1980, but was not recognised as a quasar till decades later. (With inputs from agencies)

This galaxy's core is 500 trillion times more luminous than Sun. It's not getting powered by a star but...

In the part 2 of this exclusive interview, we continue our conversation with Preeti Bajaj, CEO & MD of Luminous power technologies, a major player in power batteries & solar energy. We discuss the company’s policy expectations, especially in renewable energy, & global ambitions. Stay tuned to WION for more insightful interactions.

WION exclusive with Preeti Bajaj, CEO & MD, Luminous

In part 1 of this exclusive interview, we chat with Preeti Bajaj, CEO & MD of Luminous Power technologies, a major player in power batteries & solar energy. We discuss India's growth in renewable energy, especially solar. We also bust high cost myths around solar energy. We also discuss the rise of renewable energy as a 'soft power' in this ever evolving geopolitical landscape. Keep an eye out for part 2 (policy expectations & global ambitions)

Luminous Power Technologies' recent inauguration of a 250 MW solar panel factory in Uttarakhand, expandable to 1 GW, sent a clear message: India's solar manufacturing muscle is flexing. This state-of-the-art facility, boasting complete automation and cutting-edge technology, is a microcosm of the country's soaring solar ambitions.

But beyond the impressive machinery lies a more profound question: can India truly achieve its soaring solar ambitions? Inclusive adoption of solar energy across the country remains a concern despite India boasting some of the cheapest solar energy globally.&nbsp;

Preeti Bajaj, CEO &amp; MD of Luminous Power Technologies, spoke to WION regarding this. "Solar energy is not cost-effective is an absolute myth," she asserted. "We have the most cost-effective power when it comes to solar energy. We are already at Rs 4/unit, which is at grid parity, if not cheaper. Cost decline in panel technologies has come down by 78 per cent&nbsp;over the last 10 years. So, the technology in terms of panels is optimised, there are design innovations, governments are pitching in and giving subsidies, making the payback even more compelling."

The recently announced interim budget underscores the government's commitment. A doubled allocation for solar power ($1.1 Billion) and the launch of the 'PM Suryodaya Yojana' aiming for rooftop solar in 10 million homes signal a concerted push to make solar power accessible.

However, achieving the ambitious 40 GW rooftop capacity target by 2026 requires a multi-pronged approach. While large-scale commercial installations are crucial, increased focus on MSMEs and rural electrification is vital. The budget's emphasis on rooftop solarisation and the 'muft bijli' scheme, offering free electricity to low-income households, are steps in the right direction.

India's solar push aligns with its broader renewable energy goals. The budget also witnessed a significant hike in allocation for green hydrogen and wind power, highlighting the government's commitment to a diversified clean energy mix. If executed smoothly, India can truly achieve its broader sustainability goals.

Manish Pant, Vice President of International Operations at Schneider Electric, a global energy player, told WION about the growing influence of India as a manufacturing hub. "India is an important market for us. It's the third largest market for us globally. We are committed to India. We have 30 manufacturing locations, we employ 37,000 people, we do our R&amp;D &amp; manufacturing here, and more importantly, we are not just doing that for India. We are doing India for India &amp; India for the Globe. We clearly see India growing much faster than the rest of the world, thanks to the demographic profile it has and the Great Policies of the Government, and this is where we are committed to investing," he said.

Luminous' new factory embodies this vision. However, India's solar journey is about more than just manufacturing. As cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, Luminous' brand ambassador, said: "There is a tendency to think about doing something for the future, but I think it should start with us and for us. I usually say, there's no such thing as Right Now. It's either right or it's now. But when it's about the planet, I say we should do the right thing &amp; right now."

With a blend of private sector innovation, government support, and a growing public consciousness about sustainability, India's solar dream is well on its way to becoming a bright reality.

Luminous Power Technologies' recent inauguration of a 250 MW solar panel factory in Uttarakhand, expandable to 1 GW, sent a clear message: India's solar manufacturing muscle is flexing.

Luminous Power Technologies' recent inauguration of a 250 MW solar panel factory in Uttarakhand, expandable to 1 GW, sent a clear message: India's solar manufacturing muscle is flexing. This state-of-the-art facility, boasting complete automation and cutting-edge technology, is a microcosm of the country's soaring solar ambitions. But beyond the impressive machinery lies a more profound question: can India truly achieve its soaring solar ambitions? Inclusive adoption of solar energy across the country remains a concern despite India boasting some of the cheapest solar energy globally. Preeti Bajaj, CEO & MD of Luminous Power Technologies, spoke to WION regarding this. "Solar energy is not cost-effective is an absolute myth," she asserted. "We have the most cost-effective power when it comes to solar energy. We are already at Rs 4/unit, which is at grid parity, if not cheaper. Cost decline in panel technologies has come down by 78 per cent over the last 10 years. So, the technology in terms of panels is optimised, there are design innovations, governments are pitching in and giving subsidies, making the payback even more compelling." The recently announced interim budget underscores the government's commitment. A doubled allocation for solar power ($1.1 Billion) and the launch of the 'PM Suryodaya Yojana' aiming for rooftop solar in 10 million homes signal a concerted push to make solar power accessible. However, achieving the ambitious 40 GW rooftop capacity target by 2026 requires a multi-pronged approach. While large-scale commercial installations are crucial, increased focus on MSMEs and rural electrification is vital. The budget's emphasis on rooftop solarisation and the 'muft bijli' scheme, offering free electricity to low-income households, are steps in the right direction. India's solar push aligns with its broader renewable energy goals. The budget also witnessed a significant hike in allocation for green hydrogen and wind power, highlighting the government's commitment to a diversified clean energy mix. If executed smoothly, India can truly achieve its broader sustainability goals. Manish Pant, Vice President of International Operations at Schneider Electric, a global energy player, told WION about the growing influence of India as a manufacturing hub. "India is an important market for us. It's the third largest market for us globally. We are committed to India. We have 30 manufacturing locations, we employ 37,000 people, we do our R&D & manufacturing here, and more importantly, we are not just doing that for India. We are doing India for India & India for the Globe. We clearly see India growing much faster than the rest of the world, thanks to the demographic profile it has and the Great Policies of the Government, and this is where we are committed to investing," he said. Luminous' new factory embodies this vision. However, India's solar journey is about more than just manufacturing. As cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, Luminous' brand ambassador, said: "There is a tendency to think about doing something for the future, but I think it should start with us and for us. I usually say, there's no such thing as Right Now. It's either right or it's now. But when it's about the planet, I say we should do the right thing & right now." With a blend of private sector innovation, government support, and a growing public consciousness about sustainability, India's solar dream is well on its way to becoming a bright reality.

India's soaring solar ambitions: Luminous' New solar plant fuels India's clean energy push

luminous

Luminous, News on Luminous, stories on Luminous, articles on Luminous, Luminous stories at Wion, Luminous news, Luminous latest news