After more than two years of speculation, scientists have finally solved the mystery behind the so-called “golden orb,” a strange object discovered during a 2023 NOAA expedition that captured widespread public attention.

The unusual golden mass, found more than 3,200 meters (over two miles) beneath the surface in the Gulf of Alaska, has been identified as the remains of tissue from a giant deep-sea anemone, Relicanthus daphneae. Specifically, it represents the base structure the organism used to anchor itself to the seafloor.

A Discovery That Sparked Curiosity

The object was first spotted by a remotely operated vehicle during NOAA’s Seascape Alaska expedition. Attached to a rocky outcrop, the orb appeared smooth, golden, and oddly hollow — leaving scientists puzzled. Early theories ranged from an egg casing to a sponge or even something entirely unknown.

Given the uncertainty, researchers collected the specimen and sent it to the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History for further study. What followed was a lengthy and complex investigation.

Solving the Puzzle

Unlike many discoveries that are quickly identified through collaboration, the “golden orb” required years of detailed analysis. Scientists combined multiple approaches, including microscopic examination and advanced genetic testing, to determine its origin.

Initial studies revealed that the structure lacked typical anatomical features but contained specialized stinging cells, indicating it belonged to the cnidarian group — the same family as corals and sea anemones. Further DNA sequencing confirmed a strong match with Relicanthus daphneae, a rare deep-sea species.

The process was not straightforward. Early DNA tests produced inconclusive results due to contamination from other microscopic organisms. Only after deeper genome sequencing were researchers able to confirm the object’s true identity.

Mystery Solved — But Questions Remain

While the “golden orb” is no longer a mystery, the discovery highlights how much remains unknown about the deep ocean. Scientists emphasize that the seafloor continues to hold countless unexplored phenomena.

Advances in technology, particularly in genetic analysis, are making it possible to solve more of these mysteries — but they also reveal just how complex and little-understood deep-sea ecosystems still are.

As NOAA continues its exploration missions, researchers hope to uncover more discoveries that expand our understanding of the ocean and its role in sustaining life on Earth.