Scientists Say They’ve Figured Out What That Golden Orb Found at the Bottom of the Pacific Ocean Actually Was

Scientists identified a mysterious golden orb found two miles underwater as the remains of a giant deep-sea anemone, not an unknown alien-like creature.

Physical examination and DNA sequencing showed the specimen closely matches Relicanthus daphneae, a rare cnidarian.

The discovery came from NOAA and Smithsonian research aboard NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer in the Gulf of Alaska.

Researchers say the finding highlights how deep-sea exploration and genetics can solve ocean mysteries and reveal more about deep-sea life.