If you"re lucky enough to see this view through the lens of your diving mask, you must be snorkeling in Jellyfish Lake on the island of Eil Malk in the Pacific island nation of Palau. Golden jellyfish are a subspecies unique to this small lake, on this small island—they"re found nowhere else on the planet. Millions of teacup-sized golden jellies inhabit the lake, following the sunlight that nourishes them. Symbiotic algae live inside the jellyfish and provide their hosts with energy as a byproduct of photosynthesis. The more sun the jellies get, the more energy they derive from their hitchhikers. The jellies start the day at the east end of the lake and drift westward until dusk, following the arc of the sun.
Golden jellyfish in Jellyfish Lake, Palau
Today in History
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Flying high on National Bird Day
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An endless journey
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A night on the (ghost) town
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Glacier cave in Iceland
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Once upon a midafternoon dreary…
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Venture into a prehistoric gallery of art
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Kissing Day
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River otters at Acadia National Park, Maine
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Ready, set, read
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Crimson-rumped toucanet in the Refugio Paz de Las Aves, Ecuador
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The tallest animal in the world on the longest day of the year
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World Numbat Day
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Bridge of Hillsborough County
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April Fools Day
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The persistence of Perito Moreno
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Strolling across the Red Lagoon
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St. Paul Winter Carnival
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Welcome to the Ring of Fire
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Celestial Spain
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Going head-to-head with winter
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The Badlands celebrates a milestone
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Bird s-eye view on World Environment Day
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National Fossil Day
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Construction workers resting above Manhattan
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Look to the north sky tonight for the Perseids
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A Bengal tiger in Ranthambore National Park, India
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Coming home to roost
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Native American Heritage Month
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Westerheversand Lighthouse