It is no secret that there are tiny little organisms in Earth's oceans that can come together to create spectacles of light like something out of this world. Glow-in-the-dark phytoplankton have been featured in award-winning action films, children's movies, and popular mystery novels.
How does this happen?
This beautiful glow is the result of a chemical reaction between two chemicals called luciferin and luciferase.
Why does this happen?
There are many reasons organisms purposefully produce this reaction: to ward off predators, to attract prey, to attract a mate, and sometimes it is simply because they are irritated by a wave.
Where does this happen?
You can see this phenomenon for yourself in warm-water lagoons all over the world. Japan, Bermuda, Maldives, California, Jamaica, Cambodia, Taiwan and Puerto Rico all boast waters that are home to bioluminescent organisms. The Puerto Rico ecosystem was actually just discovered in 2010. Which one would you like to visit first?
Let's talk about it!
