Scientists from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) have finally identified a mysterious 'golden orb' discovered two miles deep in the Gulf of Alaska in 2023. Initially speculated to be an extraterrestrial egg or a sponge, the orb has been confirmed as the base of a giant, deep-sea anemone, specifically Relicanthus daphneae.
The gold-coloured base, which is typically hidden from view, was found by the remotely operated vehicle Deep Discoverer during an expedition. The specimen was collected and brought to the surface for extensive laboratory examination. Identification proved complex, requiring both physical structure analysis and advanced DNA sequencing at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, as initial genetic tests were inconclusive.
Whole-genome sequencing ultimately confirmed that the orb's animal DNA matched a known Relicanthus daphneae reference genome, finally solving the deep-sea mystery. The discovery sheds light on the remarkable adaptations of life in extreme environments and highlights the importance of deep-sea exploration.
