An international team of scientists has used machine learning to identify seven rare quasar candidates, according to a new study.

Quasars, distant cores of galaxies powered by supermassive black holes, are among the most luminous objects in the universe. While not uncommon, their brightness can make it difficult to accurately measure the galaxy they reside in. This means scientists must use gravitational lensing to assist in analyzing these bright objects, a method that relies on studying how an object’s strong gravity bends light around its host galaxy. Yet despite their own powerful gravity, finding quasars that can act as lenses is uncommon.