Skip to main content

Mysterious golden organism discovered off the coast of Alaska

Share

A mysterious golden orb-like organism was discovered by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Ocean Exploration scientists during a remote deep-sea dive off the coast of Alaska last week.

The organism, which is about 10 centimetres in diameter, was stuck to a rock at a depth of about 3,300 metres, NOAA said when announcing the discovery.

But little is known about what the organism actually is.

“While we were able to collect the 'golden orb' and bring it onto the ship, we still are not able to identify it beyond the fact that it is biological in origin," NOAA's Sam Candido said. The expedition co-ordinator added it is likely they won't learn more until the organism is examined in a laboratory setting.

(Source: NOAA Ocean Exploration, Seascape Alaska)

The organism was discovered during the 2023 Seascape Alaska Expedition. The expedition aims at mapping and exploring deepwater ecosystems in the Gulf of Alaska using remotely operated vessels.

Watch the moment scientists discovered the unidentified organism in the video at the top of this article.

CTVNews.ca Top Stories

Local Spotlight

From a mini fridge to a toy doll, here's what has been lost on public transit in Ontario this year

Most people understand the pain that comes with leaving a phone, wallet or umbrella behind on-board public transit and the despair of whether or not it'll ever be found again. Well, outside of those commonly forgotten valuables, items like a porcelain doll, Mac DeMarco vinyl record, mini-fridge, or a toaster oven with food still inside have also been left behind on public transit this year.

Stay Connected