Plankton, minuscule marine organisms that occasionally cause the ocean’s surface to shine at night, including bioluminescent dinoflagellates.
Although it may appear to be magic, bioluminescence is actually merely the end result of a chemical interaction. Any chemical reaction involves at least two molecules interacting to produce a new compound.
That enchantment of sparkling waves resembles an optical trick nearly completely. It’s not all that distant from reality to the fantastical phosphorescent world of Avatar. Similar incredible sceneries can be produced by bioluminescent plankton. The neon-glowing waves are only visible at night and are known as “Tears of the Ocean” or “Sea of Stars” and may be viewed all over the world.
WHAT IS THE BIOLUMINESCENT PLANKTON?
The luminous sea is created by a chemical reaction between marine plankton, which causes the microorganism to emit radiant light. This reaction occurs only when the plankton is stressed and serves as a defense mechanism against predators.
As a result, it is only visible in relatively calm seas when deliberately triggered, such as by swimming, moving, and swirling the water, whereas in open ocean beaches, the neon-blue sparkles can be seen as the waves break on the shores.
- Five places where you can found them:
1.AUSTRALIA:
Many beaches in Australia have glowing plankton. Jervis Bay is one of them, and if you stay at one of the nearby campgrounds on a gloomy night, you can watch the water fireworks from your beach chair. Similarly, the Gippsland Lakes in Victoria are known for their glittering midnight waters, but if you want to bathe in the sea of stars, you must travel during the summer months,(December-February). Tasmania is also home to bioluminescent plankton, and fishing enthusiasts will appreciate the sea light show in Preservation Bay.
2.MALDIVES :
Between July and December, the Maldives’ islands shine in the dark, and it may be the most stunning natural light show on Earth. Although it is unpredictable and only visible on moonless nights, the finest places to swim in the neon-blue sparkles are the islands of Vaadhoo and Mudhdhoo. The show is made even more enjoyable by the shallow waves, nice weather, holiday flair, and exquisite isolation!
3.THAILAND
The entire Krabi area is home to bioluminescent algae, and several tours can be planned to experience the phenomenon on the nearby islands. Midnight swimming, night snorkeling, plankton sunset trips, and other tour packages are available. On Phi Phi Island, probably the most famous is Maya Bay, which was featured in the film “The Beach.” It is a fantastic all-year-round experience, but you will have to pay for it.
4.JAPAN
Toyama Bay in Japan attracts hundreds of blue magic lovers each year because it resembles the Milky Way in water. Between March and May, the aluminizing coastlines of Toyama fill with photographers and tourist boats to see and film the bizarre images. Visitors who want to learn everything there is to know about the sparkling algae should also visit the Hotaruika Plankton Museum. Okayama is another fantastic bioluminescent algae spot.
5.CALIFORNIA
California, like Florida, has a magnificent seasonal sea of stars’.Summer delivers bioluminescent plankton to San Diego’s coastlines. This is the time of year when the tides in Mission Bay, La Jolla Cove, and Torrey Pines Beach sparkle blue at night, and everyone is free to feel it, swim in it, and try to paint with the glittering light; the darker the night sky, the more magnificent the aquatic show!
Conclusion:
Bioluminescent plankton are magical creatures that emit light and create stunning displays in various bodies of water. They have fascinated humans for centuries and have become popular tourist attractions for nighttime boat trips and walks along bioluminescent bays and shores.Plankton’s bioluminescent properties are a remarkable gift of nature, reminding us of the vast diversity and wonder in our natural world.
Writer
Israt Jahan Kona
Intern at content writing Department of YSSE