Photo: NOAA Ocean Exploration, Seascape Alaska
On August 30, a mysterious “golden egg” was found on the ocean floor in Alaska, United States. The find fascinated scientists from around the world who tried to explain its origin.
The egg was found by a US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) remotely operated vehicle (ROV) during a research expedition in the waters of the Gulf of Alaska. It was at a depth of around 3,300 meters.
The specimen is smooth, golden and domeshaped with a diameter of just over 10 centimeters. He is firmly attached to a rock, surrounded by a handful of white sponges. A small hole or crack near the base revealed a similarly colored interior.
NOAA has not yet identified the object, but believes it is of biological origin. “Although we managed to collect the ‘golden ball’ and bring it to the ship, we have not yet been able to identify it, other than the fact that it is of biological origin,” said Sam Candio, expedition coordinator for NOAA Ocean Exploration.
“We probably won’t understand it anymore until we can get it into a laboratory environment where we can continue to draw on the collective experience of the scientific community, with more sophisticated tools than we can keep on board,” he added.
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The discovery captured the imagination of many who watched the dive live. The specimen has since been dubbed a “golden ball” and even a “golden egg” by the media.
“Isn’t the bottom of the sea so wonderfully strange?” said Sam Candio. “It’s a reminder of how little we know about our own planet and how much there is still to learn and appreciate about our ocean.”
Possible explanations for the origin of the golden egg
It’s too early to say where the golden egg will come from. However, there are some possible explanations.
One possibility is that the egg is the shell of a fish egg or other sea animal. However, the researchers found no signs of an embryo inside, making this explanation less likely.
Another possibility is that the egg is a defense structure of a marine organism. For example, it could be the shell of a marine animal, such as a sponge or coral.
It is also possible that the egg is a manmade object, such as marine debris or an artifact from an ancient civilization. However, this explanation is considered less likely because the egg cell appears to be of biological origin.
What does the future hold for the golden egg?
NOAA scientists plan to continue studying the golden egg in the laboratory. They hope to find out more about its origin, composition and function.
If the egg is indeed of biological origin, it could provide new insights into deepsea biodiversity. It could also help scientists better understand how marine animals adapt to the extreme conditions of the deep sea.
Regardless of its origins, the golden egg is a reminder that the ocean still holds many secrets. The more we explore the oceans, the more we learn about this fascinating world.