Why Do Oceans Sometimes Glow at Night?

Imagine tiny, glowing creatures in the water, like little lanterns. When they get disturbed, such as by a wave or a fish swimming through them, they light up and make the whole ocean shine! This is why the sea sometimes looks like it's blinking at night.

Take the quiz →

Examples

A surfer rides a wave and sees the ocean glow around them like it’s alive.
A child dips their hand into the water at night and it shines like magic.
Fish swimming through glowing plankton leave trails of light in the sea.

Ask a question

Discussion

Recent activity

Categories: Environment · bioluminescence,marine biology,natural phenomena