SouthernWorldwide.com – A mysterious “golden orb” discovered over two miles deep in the Gulf of Alaska in 2023, which had previously sparked speculation ranging from alien eggs to an unknown species, has finally been identified by scientists.
After a lengthy scientific investigation, researchers from NOAA and the Smithsonian announced that the peculiar object is actually a part of a rarely seen giant deep-sea anemone known as Relicanthus daphneae. Specifically, it is the component that anchored the organism to the ocean floor.
The discovery was made by a remotely operated vehicle during a deep-sea expedition. The vehicle was exploring at a depth of approximately 3,250 meters, or over two miles, when it encountered the unusual golden structure attached to a rock.
Scientists were initially baffled by the mound-shaped mass, which featured a small opening. At the time of the discovery, they admitted to having no definitive idea of what they were observing.
They pondered various possibilities, questioning, “Was it an egg case? A dead sponge? Had something crawled into it … or out of it?”
The unusual find quickly garnered significant public attention, fueling widespread speculation both online and within the scientific community. However, pinpointing its exact identity proved to be a complex undertaking.
Dr. Allen Collins, a zoologist and director at NOAA Fisheries, explained that resolving the mystery required going beyond their standard procedures and involving the expertise of multiple specialists.
“This was a complex mystery that required morphological, genetic, deep-sea and bioinformatics expertise to solve,” Collins stated.
Scientists faced initial challenges because the object lacked easily recognizable animal features. However, a more detailed analysis revealed that it was composed of fibrous layers packed with stinging cells.
This characteristic pointed towards a connection with cnidarians, which is the phylum that includes corals and anemones.
Capt. William Mowitt, acting director of NOAA Ocean Exploration, highlighted that the “golden orb” was just one of many “captivating mysteries” that remain hidden in the deep ocean.
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“This is why we keep exploring — to unlock the secrets of the deep and better understand how the ocean and its resources can drive economic growth, strengthen our national security and sustain our planet,” Mowitt remarked.
