The discovery of colossal coral visible from space wows scientists
The world's largest coral has been discovered in the southwestern part of the Pacific Ocean, surpassing the previous record holder by three times. Its size is so vast that it can be seen from space. Scientists estimate that it is at least 300 years old.
7:42 PM EST, November 14, 2024
The coral was discovered during an October scientific expedition under the National Geographic Pristine Seas program, aimed at assessing the state of the oceans around the Solomon Islands.
According to Pristine Seas, the coral is three times larger than the previous record holder in American Samoa. It measures 112 feet wide, 105 feet long, and 18 feet high. Unlike coral reefs that consist of numerous colonies, this coral is a single, continuously growing organism that has been expanding for centuries.
"Just when we think there is nothing left to discover on planet Earth, we find a massive coral made of nearly 1bn little polyps, pulsing with life and color," said Enric Sala, a National Geographic explorer and founder of Pristine Seas, in a conversation with CNN.
The coral is visible from space
From a bird's-eye view, the coral resembles a massive, wrinkled brown rock formation, so much so that some expedition members initially mistook it for a shipwreck. By analyzing satellite images, scientists determined that its size is so enormous that it can be seen from space.
As CNN reports, its enormous size posed difficulties for scientists. Their measuring tapes proved too short to encompass the entire structure. For this reason, they had to work in pairs, stretching the tape between them. When the tape reached its end, one person stayed in place while the other returned to reel in the tape and continued the measurement.
How is coral formed?
Coral provides shelter for many marine creatures, such as fish, crabs, and shrimp. Additionally, it supports fishing and serves as a natural barrier against storms and rising sea levels.
Up close, the coral reveals its extraordinary complexity. It is made up of a network of polyps, tiny organisms that, over hundreds of years, have collectively formed this gigantic organism. The whole is enriched by intense colors—purple, yellow, blue, and red spots that enliven the brown structure of the coral.
For scientists, this is a career high point. "Making a discovery of this significance is the ultimate dream," said Paul Rose, leader of the National Geographic Pristine Seas expedition, in a CNN interview.
