In a groundbreaking discovery, scientists have located the world’s largest known coral in the remote southwest Pacific Ocean, near the Solomon Islands. This massive coral specimen, spanning over 100 feet and estimated to be more than 300 years old, was identified during a scientific expedition launched by National Geographic’s Pristine Seas program.

The colossal coral, which is made up of nearly a billion polyps, has been pulsing with life for centuries and is so large it can be seen from space. The discovery was announced Wednesday, sending waves of excitement through the scientific community.

“Just when we think there is nothing left to discover on planet Earth, we find a massive coral made of nearly 1 billion little polyps, pulsing with life,” said Enric Sala, National Geographic explorer in residence and founder of Pristine Seas. Sala’s team had set out to study ocean health in the Solomon Islands when they stumbled upon the giant coral.

Unlike a coral reef, which is comprised of numerous smaller colonies, this new record-breaker is a single coral specimen that has grown continuously over three centuries.

Marine biologist and underwater cinematographer Manu San Félix, who dived down to examine the structure, said, “In the first second, I realized that I was looking at something unique. It’s close to the size of a cathedral.”

From above, the coral appears as a huge, undulating brown rock. Some members of the team even mistook it for a shipwreck at first glance. However, closer examination revealed its true nature, and scientists quickly realized its extraordinary significance. They later confirmed its visibility from satellite images, highlighting the coral’s massive scale.

This discovery further underscores the richness and mystery of the ocean, as well as the importance of preserving underwater ecosystems. At three times the size of the previous record-holder in American Samoa, this coral is even longer than a blue whale—the largest animal on Earth.

As the world grapples with the effects of climate change, the existence of such a massive coral specimen serves as both a symbol of nature’s resilience and a reminder of the urgency of conservation efforts.