Summary (tl;dr)

Scientists have finally identified a mysterious "golden orb" discovered on the Alaskan seafloor in 2023 as the remnant base of a giant deep-sea anemone, solving a two-and-a-half-year enigma.

Essential Background

In August 2023, during an expedition in the Gulf of Alaska, a remotely operated vehicle from the NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer discovered a peculiar "golden orb" attached to a rock over two miles beneath the ocean's surface. The smooth, dome-shaped object, about 10 centimeters in diameter with a torn opening, immediately puzzled scientists, leading to speculation that it could be an unknown egg, a marine sponge, or even something of extraterrestrial origin.

The Full Story

After two and a half years of intensive study involving morphological, genetic, deep-sea, and bioinformatics expertise, researchers from NOAA Fisheries and the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History have identified the "golden orb." The mysterious object is the remnant of dead cells that once formed the base of a giant deep-sea anemone, specifically Relicanthus daphneae. This part of the anemone is typically hidden, anchoring the creature to the rocky seafloor, and it's believed the anemone either died or relocated, leaving the base behind. The identification, announced in April 2026, has brought an end to the widespread public and scientific intrigue surrounding the "golden mystery."

Why It Matters

The resolution of the "golden orb" mystery underscores the vast unknown depths of our oceans and the critical importance of deep-sea exploration. Discoveries like this highlight that Earth's "inner space" still holds countless secrets, emphasizing the ongoing need for advanced techniques like DNA sequencing and focused scientific efforts to understand marine biodiversity and ecosystems. Such explorations not only unlock natural mysteries but also contribute to a better understanding of how oceans can drive economic growth, strengthen national security, and sustain the planet.

Geographic Location

• Gulf of Alaska, Alaska, United States (discovery and collection of the golden orb at a depth of 3,250 to 3,300 meters)
• Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, Washington, D.C., District of Columbia, United States (analysis and identification of the golden orb)