Star S301 Circles a Black Hole at 8% of Light Speed

Astronomers have spotted what is being described as the fastest star yet observed: S301, a star orbiting a black hole at speeds reaching up to 8% of the speed of light. According to Boing Boing, S301 is otherwise unremarkable in appearance. Its unusual distinction comes from the extreme pace of its orbit around the black hole, where it moves far faster than stars following the more familiar, gradual paths through their galaxies. The observation highlights how dramatically stellar motion can vary. While many stars appear to drift through their galactic orbits over timescales too long for noticeable changes, S301 is locked into a much more rapid journey around its compact cosmic companion. Boing Boing reported the finding on August 24, 2026, identifying S301’s measured speed as up to 8% of light speed.