The most luminous object in the universe - A challenge for any paradigm

We have identified an IRAS source with a narrow emission line object at z=2.286. It is arguably the most luminous known object, but is not a quasar; it could be a hidden quasar or possibly a proto-galaxy. New observations show asymmetric structure to the NNE in optical and near-IR images, and an elongated radio source, whose major axis is perpendicular to the extended optical emission. The object is very highly polarized, suggesting that most or all of the optical-UV light we see is scattered light, and that the source geometry is highly anisotropic. These properties are reminiscent of Type 2 Seyfert galaxies and high-redshift radio galaxies; on the other hand the diffuse nature of the radio source argues strongly for a burst of star formation.