As an expedition was exploring the waters around the Solomon Islands, its members spotted what looked like a shipwreck. Intrigued, they sent a diver down to investigate.

Summary

A National Geographic expedition near the Solomon Islands discovered the world’s largest coral, visible from space and estimated to be 300 years old.

The massive coral, the size of a blue whale, stores centuries of oceanic history and far surpasses the previous record-holder, “Big Momma,” in size.

Located in the Coral Sea, the Solomon Islands host remarkable coral diversity but face threats from climate change, including coral bleaching.

Scientists called the discovery a “beacon of hope,” showcasing the resilience of deeper-water corals despite global warming impacts.