Mystery 'golden orb' from Gulf of Alaska finally identified by NOAA
Fox News • • general
Key Points:
- A mysterious "golden orb" found over 2 miles beneath the Gulf of Alaska has been identified as part of a rare giant deep-sea anemone called Relicanthus daphneae, specifically the structure anchoring it to the ocean floor.
- The object was discovered in 2023 during a deep-sea expedition using a remotely operated vehicle at a depth of about 3,250 meters and initially baffled scientists due to its unusual mound shape and small opening.
- Scientists used a combination of morphological, genetic, deep-sea, and bioinformatics analyses to determine the orb was composed of fibrous layers filled with stinging cells, linking it to cnidarians such as corals and anemones.
- The discovery highlights the complexity and mystery of deep ocean ecosystems, emphasizing the importance of continued exploration to unlock secrets that can support economic growth, national security, and environmental sustainability.
