Science does not know what it is

On August 30, a group of biologists made a very strange discovery off the coast of Alaska in the United States. The unusual thing is that although it can be described, it is not possible to pinpoint exactly what it is. golden egg?

And scientists don’t have any information about what they found, except for the fact that it is Not of human origin. “We still can’t identify it after admitting it is of biological origin,” notes Sam Candeo, who serves as coordinator of ocean exploration at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

mysterious object

During the “Seascape Alaska 5” cruise, marine biologists from this institution were conducting research on an extinct volcano when they spotted this strange object on a rock, located about three kilometers deep in Gulf of Alaska. “We probably won’t have any more answers until we can move them to the lab,” Candio said.

NOAA has been examining the “body” for several days So far no definitive answers have been obtained.. The object in question has more than 10 cm in diameter It shows a small tear near its base. It is thin to the touch, and its surface is reminiscent of the texture of leather, as detailed in the statement. One of the photographers who helped document the dive referred to him as the “yellow hat”.

The agency shared a photo of the object on X (formerly Twitter), with a note in its tweet: “This golden orb, perhaps an egg shell, captured the imagination of many observers yesterday.” The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) explains that “as the cameras get closer, so do the scientists puzzled “In terms of identification, early ideas oscillate between a dead sponge appendage, a coral, or an egg carcass.”

The foundation added: “Evoking images almost from fairy tales, the object has since been called the ‘Golden Orb’ and even the ‘Golden Egg.’” Candio wonders: “Aren’t the deep seas deliciously exotic?”

Biological puzzle

According to the scientist, it is not clear whether the orb is related to a known species that it represents new type Or it represents an unknown stage in the life of an existing species. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) plans to subject it to further investigation in the laboratory using “more advanced instruments.” Investigators are conducting DNA testing and analysis.

“Although it’s a bit humbling to be surprised by this discovery,” Kandio admits, “it’s a reminder of how little we know about our planet, and how much we still have to learn and appreciate about our oceans.” “Although it’s a bit humbling to be surprised by this discovery,” Kandio admits, “it’s a reminder of how little we know about our planet, and how much we still have to learn and appreciate about our oceans.”

Kerry Howell, professor of deep-sea ecology at the University of Plymouth, shares the same opinion: “In the 20 years I’ve spent exploring the depths of the sea, I’ve never seen anything like this. He told the Daily Mail: “There are many species yet to be discovered in the depths of the ocean, so this could easily be a new species.”

A risky hypothesis

John Copley, professor of ocean exploration and science communication at the University of Southampton, put forward some hypotheses: “At first glance, it could be the remains of an invertebrate egg. “Or maybe a slightly damaged sponge,” he told The Washington Post.

Hopefully, it will be a new species that, Candio explains, “has the potential to reveal new sources of medical treatments, vaccines, food, energy and other benefits and knowledge for society.” Whether that’s the case or not, marine biologists continue their work exploring the coldest parts of Earth. NOAA’s Ocean Exploration Coordinator notes: “The data and information gathered during this expedition will help us fill in the gaps in our understanding of this part of the planet, so that we can better manage and protect it.”