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X-ray, Infrared, and Optical images of X-ray Dot 3DHST-AEGIS-12014Credit: X-ray: NASA/CXC/Max Plank Inst./R. Hviding et al.; Optical/IR; NASA/ESA/STScI/HST; Image Processing: NASA/CXC/SAO/N. Wolk
These images of a special object, dubbed the “X-ray dot,” represent a discovery from Chandra that could help explain the nature of a mysterious class of sources in the early Universe. The optical and infrared image from Hubble show the region around the X-ray dot, while the Chandra X-ray image shows the close up. Prior to this discovery, “little red dots” seen by the Webb telescope had not been known to emit X-rays. This one does, which leads researchers to propose that the X-ray dot represents a previously unknown transition phase of growing supermassive black holes.
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Illustration of a Close-Up View of X-ray Dot, 3DHST-AEGIS-12014Illustration Credit: NASA/CXC/SAO/M. Weiss; adapted by K. Arcand & J. Major
Return to: NASA Connects Little Red Dots With Chandra, Webb (April 28, 2026)







