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
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Moai statues on Easter Island, Chile
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A swim in the sky
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Presidents Day
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Welcome to California
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Lake Peipus, Estonia
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Kirkjufell, Iceland
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Gamboa Crater, Mars
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Travel Sunday: Liverpool
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Party like it’s 5779
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Groundhog Day arrives—beyond a shadow of a doubt
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International Day of Friendship
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Protect your neck
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Castilla-La Mancha, Spain
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Groovy!
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Autumnal equinox
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Indigenous Peoples Day
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A dramatic view of Sicily
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Brown bears in Lake Clark National Park and Preserve, Alaska
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Wayag Islands in the Raja Ampat Islands of Indonesia
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Incense making, Vietnam
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American bison
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World Oceans Day
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Happy New Years Eve!
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Siblings Day
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Hispanic Heritage Month
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Crested caracaras
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Okavango Delta, Botswana
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3, 2, 1 … Happy New Year!
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Indigenous Peoples Day
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Earth seen from the International Space Station