Small crack in ceiling

Hi all,

I found some small cracking (and maybe slight bubbling?) on the ceiling of my second floor. It is about 2 inches in diameter. Judging by the photos, can anyone tell what it is and/or where it came from? Thanks in advance!

 

Is it new? What's above this spot?

 

I've never noticed it in the past so I'd assume it's new. I believe the thing above the spot is hair that's been painted over it.

 

How old is the house? This looks like some sort of damage that was repaired. I think the hair you mention might be fiberglass mesh tape that was mudded over. If the house is old enough that it is plaster then you might have a clump of the hair that was mixed with the blaster brown coat. Once in a while the fibers just did not get dispersed. I quess the fix is the same. Probe carefully and if anything is loose remove it. Mix up some setting joint compound and fill it in. Keep the surrounding clean. Don't create a hump Let the stuff set, sand very lightly then prime and paint. If it does not bother you too much wait to do this repair until you paint.

 

Built 1947. Thank you for all your input and recommendations

 

I thought of something else this could be. If this house is plaster, it could be a cat turd that was in the sand when the plaster was mixed. I am surprised that it only showed up now. I lean toward a repair with mesh tape. Dig out what is loose or soft, fill it with setting mud. It might take two coats, then finish flush and sand lightly and prime and paint. You might want to roll a little joint mud over the repair to add the texture to match.