‘Golden egg’ found on Alaskan seafloor baffles researchers

A mysterious object found deep on the seabed has attracted a lot of attention. Researchers from NOAA Ocean Exploration found the yellowish object while diving on a small seamount in the Gulf of Alaska. Initially called the ‘yellow hat’, the still unidentified object is now referred to as the ‘golden egg’ or ‘golden ball’.

The picture shows the still unidentified ‘golden egg’ found on the seabed. (X/@oceanexplorer)

What does the object look like?

NOAA Ocean Exploration shared a blog detailing the facility. “In the midst of a mass of white sponges, this smooth, golden, dome-shaped specimen, just over 10 centimeters (4 inches) in diameter, was clinging tightly to the rock. A small hole or tear near the base revealed a similar colored interior,” the blog explained.

“As the cameras zoomed in, scientists were at a loss as to its identification, with initial thoughts ranging from a dead sponge to coral to an eggshell,” it added.

The image shows researchers retrieving the ‘golden egg’ from the seabed. (NOAA Ocean Exploration, Seascape Alaska)

What did researchers say about this object?

“Isn’t the deep sea so wonderfully strange? Although we were able to collect the ‘golden ball’ and bring it on board, we still cannot identify it beyond the fact that it is of biological origin,” said Sam Candio, expedition coordinator at NOAA Ocean Exploration.

He further explained that they plan to investigate more about the object in a laboratory environment using the “collective expertise of the scientific community” and “more sophisticated tools.”

“While it is somewhat humbling to be stunned by this discovery, it serves as a reminder of how little we know about our own planet and how much there is still to learn and appreciate about our ocean,” he added.

How did internet users react to the ‘golden egg’?

NOAA Ocean Exploration has also undertaken social media to share the news with netizens, prompting people to post mixed reactions. “That looks like an interesting colony of something,” wrote an individual on X. “A rocket component?” another wondered. “Woof. Very interesting,” added a third.

The picture shows the ‘golden egg’ in the laboratory. It was discovered by researchers on the seabed of Alaska. (NOAA Ocean Exploration, Seascape Alaska)

It is still unclear whether the ‘golden egg’ is related to a new species or represents an unknown life stage of an existing one. However, researchers are working to unravel its mysteries.

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Source: newstars.edu.vn

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