A mysterious, mound-shaped object was discovered at the ocean’s bottom in August 2023. Scientists initially had no clue what it was. After examining hundreds of samples, they finally unraveled the mystery. Spoiler alert: it’s not from outer space.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) shared its findings about the golden orb, revealing it was part of a giant sea anemone’s base. Usually, scientists can quickly identify unusual objects, but this one took a dedicated team nearly three years to solve.
The discovery took place in the Gulf of Alaska at a staggering depth of 10,827 feet (3,300 meters). Researchers found the brass-colored orb, about four inches wide, attached to a rock. Initially, they thought it might be an egg casing, a dead sea sponge, or an unknown coral type. The only certainty was that it was biological.
Once collected, the orb was sent to the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. Even in the lab, identifying it proved challenging. “I assumed our usual methods would clear things up,” said Allen Collins, a zoologist at NOAA Fisheries. “This turned out to be a special case. It required the expertise of various specialists.”
NOAA and Smithsonian scientists conducted both physical examinations and genetic tests on the orb. They discovered it didn’t exhibit typical animal anatomy. Instead, it was made of a fibrous material that contained cnidocytes—stinging cells found in jellyfish and sea anemones.
The breakthrough came when researchers noted its similarity to another specimen identified in 2021. While initial DNA tests were inconclusive, whole-genome sequencing later linked both samples to a type of cnidarian named Relicanthus daphneae.
The orb is essentially a remnant of dead cells from the base of a deep-sea anemone. Normally hidden under the creature, this one might have been shed by Relicanthus daphneae.
William Mowitt, acting director of NOAA Ocean Exploration, emphasized the importance of continued exploration: “With advanced techniques like DNA sequencing, we’re able to solve more mysteries. Exploring the deep ocean helps us understand its resources, which can boost the economy and support environmental sustainability.”
A 2022 survey by the Pew Research Center found that nearly 80% of Americans support increased funding for ocean exploration. Many see the ocean’s depths as crucial for both biodiversity and potential economic benefits. The golden orb is a reminder of how much we still have to learn about our planet’s mysterious waters.
For more about ocean discoveries, check out this NOAA Expedition report.
