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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For Hispanic Heritage Month: Out of Many, One
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International Moon Day
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North Cascades National Park at 50
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National Audubon Society s Christmas Bird Count
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Let s run em up!
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Tibetan New Year
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Vacuum Chamber 5 at Glenn Research Center
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Daintree Rainforest and Noah Beach, Queensland, Australia
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One for the books
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The eloquence of elephants
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Big Bend National Park turns 78
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Christmas Bird Count
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When science looks like magic
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Via Krupp, Capri, Italy
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Winter scenery near Kuhmo, Finland
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Happy St. Patricks Day!
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A tribute to the ancestors
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Come out of your shell for World Turtle Day
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Stop and see the flowers
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Haven t you herd? It s World Elephant Day!
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Flag Day
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Daiichi Tadami River Bridge, Fukushima, Japan
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A species worth defending