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
More Desktop Wallpapers:
-
All eyes on sustainability
-
National Museum of African American History and Culture
-
Santorini through the clouds
-
A peek at an explosive peak
-
A story of wind and ice
-
Flamingos of the Chilean desert
-
Humpbacks return to the Inside Passage
-
Tree of many colors
-
Ready. Set. Snow.
-
The roots of invention
-
A bohemian feline
-
Detroit Industry Murals by Diego Rivera
-
Where the bearded reedling sings
-
What the hay?
-
Did they forget to fly south?
-
National Park Week: Guadalupe Mountains National Park
-
Winterpret on ice
-
Celebrating Norwegian Constitution Day
-
By the light of the fireflies
-
’Chess on ice’