Mystery of Deep-Sea 'Golden Orb' Solved

The enigmatic specimen, which initially sparked theories of alien life or unknown marine species, was found anchored to a rock on the ocean floor.

Researchers from NOAA and the Smithsonian Institution spent over two years analyzing the orb's complex cellular structure.

The findings show that the object was composed of dead cells that once supported a large invertebrate predator.

This discovery provides new insights into the biodiversity of the deep ocean and the life cycles of its least-understood inhabitants.