From April through September, a type of algae commonly called ‘sea sparkle’ blooms along the coast of all 36 islands in the Matsu archipelago off the coast of Taiwan. An enzyme reaction in the algae’s single-cellular bodies creates the light-emitting chemical reaction. Locals call the natural light show ‘blue tears.’ Stranger still is that when the water is disturbed, the algae light up even brighter. If you want to see the blue tears of the Matsu Islands, there’s still time to book a trip—the bioluminescent effect is more common and more intense during the hot summer months.
The glowing waters of the Matsu Islands
Today in History
More Desktop Wallpapers:
-
The Guggenheim turns 60
-
Where is this wintry road?
-
The aftermath of a meteorite
-
A stroll above the stratosphere
-
Combating extinction with citizen science
-
Fire-damaged forest near Wolf Creek Pass, Colorado
-
International Museum Day
-
Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve
-
A learning garden
-
Splashes of color for Watercolor Month
-
Valentines Day
-
A circular celebration
-
It s time for spring
-
International Day of the Tropics
-
Flock online for the Great Backyard Bird Count
-
Next stop, Tofino
-
Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel and the Louvre Pyramid
-
Perfect timing
-
Salt ponds of Maras, Peru
-
Everest s shadow on the Himalayas
-
The wild heart of Tasmania
-
Tennis in the park
-
The Unfinished Obelisk near Aswan, Egypt
-
A picture-perfect day on Trillium
-
Let s ride! It s Roller Coaster Day
-
American bison
-
The Tour de France begins
-
Bungle Bungle Range in Purnululu National Park, Australia
-
We have liftoff!
-
Kluane National Park