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We all saw this spectacle in ‘Life of Pi’ without realizing what it was! These are bioluminescent phytoplanktons called dinoflagellates. Bioluminescence is the production and emission of light (at night) by a living organism. Phytoplankton are photosynthesizing microscopic organisms that inhabit the upper sunlit layer of almost all oceans and fresh water bodies on Earth. They emit a protein called luciferase which helps them glow in the night.
There are several genera of dinoflagellates which are bioluminescent. Most of them emit blue-green light. It is a common phenomenon across the world including along Indian coasts.
This phenomenon was first observed in Mumbai by Nilesh Mane and Abir Jain earlier this year. It was again witnessed a couple of days ago at Juhu beach in North Mumbai. While oceans across the world contain these bioluminescent organisms, it’s a special sight to see them so close to the shore.
For more information read: Pictures: Glowing Blue Waves Explained
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This phenomenon was first observed in Mumbai earlier this year. It was again witnessed a couple of days ago at Juhu beach in North Mumbai. While oceans across the world contain these bioluminescent organisms, it’s a special sight to see them so close to the shore!