Report by Shreya Tibrewal
On August 30, 2023, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) discovered this golden orb. This orb was discovered in Alaska on the ocean floor.
It was found 3,300 meters below sea level.
During the Seascape Alaska 5 mission, the explorers discovered the shining golden orb while examining an extinct volcano. It is more than 10 centimeters (4 inches) across and has a small tear near the bottom.
Credit: NOAA Website
According to NOAA, the golden object was found among white corals and had a small hole or tear near its base that displayed a similar colour inside.
When they tried to press the surface of the orb with their robotic arm, the orb tore easily. So, the researchers decided to collect the orb using suction and examine it in the lab on board the ship.
It could be anything from a dead sponge attachment to a coral or even an egg casing of an unknown sea animal. The shiny object was found 250 miles (402 km) from the coast of Southern Alaska. It has a delicate skin-like texture and is very soft.
You can see the full video of the discovery and collection of the sample here.