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Mysterious Golden Orb Found on Alaska’s Ocean Floor

Golden orb on ocean floor.
Golden orb on ocean floor. Screenshot from "I don't know what to make of that": NOAA scientists puzzled by "golden orb" found in Alaskan waters Source: YouTube Channel: KING 5 Seattle

Scientists recently discovered a strange golden orb at the bottom of the ocean. Now, this intriguing find has sparked a lot of curiosity and speculation as well as stumped scientists. Let’s explore what makes this discovery so fascinating!

The Location of the Discovery

Sunlight shines through to the ocean floor.
Sunlight shines through to the ocean floor. Image by Yannis Papanastasopoulos via Unsplash.

The golden orb was found deep in the waters off the coast of Alaska. It was located at a depth of about 3,300 meters (10,800 feet) by a team on a submarine. Moreover, this remote location makes the discovery even more mysterious and difficult to solve.

What Does the Golden Orb Look Like?

Scientists approach the mysterious golden orb.
Scientists approach the mysterious golden orb. Screenshot from “I don’t know what to make of that”: NOAA scientists puzzled by “golden orb” found in Alaskan waters Source: YouTube Channel: KING 5 Seattle

The orb appears to be golden in color and has a smooth, round shape. It looks like a small, shiny sphere that could easily fit in your hand, but it’s also similar in shape to a conch shell. Regardless, its appearance is unlike anything scientists have seen before!

The Initial Theories About the Orb

The submarine camera zooms in on its finding.
The submarine camera zooms in on its finding. Screenshot from “I don’t know what to make of that”: NOAA scientists puzzled by “golden orb” found in Alaskan waters Source: YouTube Channel: KING 5 Seattle

When the orb was first discovered, scientists were unsure of its origin. Some thought it could be a new form of marine life, while others speculated that it might be a piece of synthetic debris. Either way, more study was needed before scientists could be sure about what they had found.

Scientists’ First Actions

The orb appears to be attached to the rock it sits on.
The orb appears to be attached to the rock it sits on. Screenshot from “I don’t know what to make of that”: NOAA scientists puzzled by “golden orb” found in Alaskan waters Source: YouTube Channel: KING 5 Seattle

Upon finding the orb, scientists took many photographs and videos to document their process. Additionally, they wanted to document its exact appearance and location in case this information was helpful for further study and analysis. By collecting as many pieces of the puzzle as they could, scientists set themselves up well to solve this mystery.

The Importance of the Discovery

There is a whole where something tried to get in or out of the orb.
There is a whole where something tried to get in or out of the orb. Screenshot from “I don’t know what to make of that”: NOAA scientists puzzled by “golden orb” found in Alaskan waters Source: YouTube Channel: KING 5 Seattle

This discovery is significant because it could represent a new species or a new geological formation! Interestingly, it also shows that there are still many mysteries left to uncover in the ocean. Such findings help scientists learn more about our planet as well as keep us humble about what we think we know.

The Challenges of Studying the Orb

A claw is deployed to test the orb.
A claw is deployed to test the orb. Screenshot from “I don’t know what to make of that”: NOAA scientists puzzled by “golden orb” found in Alaskan waters Source: YouTube Channel: KING 5 Seattle

Studying objects in the deep ocean is extremely challenging due to the high pressure and low temperatures. As you can imagine, the depth makes it difficult for scientists to access the site and retrieve samples without damaging anything. However, they are determined to learn more about this enigmatic object and thus have to figure out a way to safely retrieve their find.

What Are the Next Steps for Scientists?

Scientists use the claw to see if the orb is squishy.
Scientists use the claw to see if the orb is squishy. Screenshot from “I don’t know what to make of that”: NOAA scientists puzzled by “golden orb” found in Alaskan waters Source: YouTube Channel: KING 5 Seattle

Next, scientists plan to use more advanced equipment to gather detailed data on this orb. They also aim to collect samples of the orb for lab analysis. In time, these steps will finally help them understand the orb’s composition and origin.

Public Reactions to the Orb

A tube is used to vacuum up the orb.
A tube is used to vacuum up the orb. Screenshot from “I don’t know what to make of that”: NOAA scientists puzzled by “golden orb” found in Alaskan waters Source: YouTube Channel: KING 5 Seattle

The discovery of the golden orb has captured the public’s imagination. People are fascinated by the unknown and are eagerly awaiting more information, myself included. Many of us are excited about what this could mean for science and discovery. Could this be a new kind of species’ egg?

The Role of Technology in This Discovery

The size of the orb vs the size of the claw.
The size of the orb vs the size of the claw. Screenshot from “I don’t know what to make of that”: NOAA scientists puzzled by “golden orb” found in Alaskan waters Source: YouTube Channel: KING 5 Seattle

Advanced underwater technology played a crucial role in finding the orb. Specifically, remote-operated vehicles (ROVs) and deep-sea cameras allowed scientists to explore areas that are otherwise unreachable. This technology is essential for modern oceanic exploration and helps us pioneer underwater exploration.

Theories on the Origin of the Orb

The orb after its removal from the ocean floor for further study.
The orb after its removal from the ocean floor for further study. Screenshot from “I don’t know what to make of that”: NOAA scientists puzzled by “golden orb” found in Alaskan waters Source: YouTube Channel: KING 5 Seattle

Several theories have emerged about the orb’s origin. Some experts suggest it could be a type of marine egg or a unique geological formation, and, as mentioned earlier, some even wonder if it could be some kind of garbage. Until further analysis is conducted, its true nature remains a mystery!

The Global Interest in Ocean Exploration

Egg pouches alike what the golden orb may be.
Egg pouches like what the golden orb may be. Image by Simon Infanger via Unsplash.

This discovery has helped spark a renewed interest in ocean exploration around the world. It highlights how much we still don’t know about the deep sea, even as we continue to explore. Many believe that the ocean holds many more secrets waiting to be discovered, and I’m inclined to agree with them!

The Future of Deep-Sea Discoveries

A diver explores the deep.
A diver explores the deep. Image by NEOM via Unsplash.

As technology improves, scientists hope to uncover more mysteries like the golden orb. The ocean’s depths are vast and largely unexplored, so there is much more to be found. Isn’t it exciting to think that future discoveries could revolutionize our understanding of marine life and geology?