Scientists Identified Mysterious Golden Orb as Deep-Sea Anemone Remnant
A mysterious golden orb discovered off the coast of Alaska in 2023 prompted extensive scientific analysis by NOAA researchers. Initially, the orb's nature was unclear, but after a multi-year investigation, scientists identified it as a remnant of the deep-sea anemone species Relicanthus daphneae. The orb was collected from the Gulf of Alaska and analyzed by NOAA Fisheries' National Systematics Laboratory and NOAA Ocean Exploration.
Later findings confirmed that the golden orb represented the base of a giant deep-sea anemone. This identification resolved the mystery surrounding the orb and contributed to the understanding of deep-sea biodiversity in the Gulf of Alaska. The research involved key figures such as Allen Collins and William Mowitt and highlighted NOAA's role in exploring and documenting marine life in the United States' waters.
