Neon Beaches - Bioluminescence

When we think of natural light- we usually think of the sun, the huge yellow star that provides us with warmth and a healthy dose of Vitamin D. However, there are other cool natural lights too and these are referred to as bioluminescence. Okay, big word but simple meaning (I promise!). Bioluminescence is a term used for any organism that emits light naturally. An example of this is glow worms.

Now, can you guess what glowing beaches are? A few special beaches across the globe have certain species of bacteria, jellyfish, and plankton that emit light. This bioluminescence helps them hunt for prey, defend against predators, and even signal mates. When the waves crash against the coastline these organisms are disturbed and emit light.

This “light” is considered cold light as less than 20% of it generates thermal radiation or any type of heat. This is also why it appears to be blue or whitish in color.

With the beach looking so mesmerizing, anyone would be tempted to swim in the water. However, a few of these bioluminescent creatures are not safe. For instance, algae that twinkle along the seascape can poison sea life from fish to sea turtles, and can make humans very sick if they come into contact with it, so swimming is not advised. Not everything that looks pretty, is pretty!

The most famous bioluminescent beaches include-

1. Mosquito Bay, Puerto Rico

2. Halong Bay, Vietnam

3. Springbrook Park, Australia

Can humans glow?

A recent study found that humans are bioluminescent too; However, we cannot witness the glow as the light emitted is 1000 times less intense than what the human eye can detect. Super light-sensitive cameras caught the light emitted from individuals which were intense during the day but reduced during the night.

So now the next time you see something glowing in the middle of the water- you can act smart and solve the glowing mystery for everyone with you!

~Insiyah Readymadewala

Bibliography

American Oceans. “What Is Bioluminescence? - American Oceans.” Www.americanoceans.org, 20 Aug. 2021, www.americanoceans.org/facts/what-is-bioluminescence/. Accessed 3 July 2023.

Evers, Jeannie. “Bioluminescence.” Education.nationalgeographic.org, 4 Aug. 2022, education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/bioluminescence/#:~:text=Bioluminescence%20is%20used%20by%20living. Accessed 3 July 2023.