Scientists have identified a mysterious object in the Milky Way that can accelerate protons beyond one quadrillion electron volts. The object, named LHAASO J1912+1014u, can provide clues to the origin of high-energy particles that move through space at nearly the speed of light and influence events throughout the galaxy. A hidden sourceAstronomers first spotted LHAASO J1912+1014u in 2024 near the star Altair, one of the brightest in the night skies. “This immense energy makes cosmic rays important in astronomy and astrophysics.” Aside from LHAASO J1912+1014u, there could be dozens of cosmic accelerators scattered throughout the galaxy and astronomers now know how to look for them.