SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/astro-quasar-agn

What is a quasar?

A quasar is an extremely luminous type of active galactic nucleus.

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  1. A nearby neutron star
  2. A dark galaxy without stars
  3. A powerful active galactic nucleus ✔

Why: A quasar is a galaxy's brilliant active core, powered as matter falls toward a supermassive black hole. Its compact central region can outshine the host galaxy.

Huh, didn't know that: Quasar comes from the historical phrase quasi-stellar radio source.

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The quasar looked like a star but had a galaxy-sized résumé.
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References

Answer: A powerful active galactic nucleus. A quasar is a galaxy's brilliant active core, powered as matter falls toward a supermassive black hole. Its compact central region can outshine the host galaxy.

  1. Hubble Quasars science.nasa.gov/mission/hubble/science/science-behind-the-discoveries/hubble-quasars
    Quasars are the most powerful type of AGN.
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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