Why Do Oceans Sometimes Look Like They’re on Fire?

Some tiny sea creatures glow when they move, like little stars in the water. When lots of them are together and you look at the ocean from above, it looks like fire burning under the waves, but it's just magic made by plankton!

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Examples

A swimmer’s legs cause the water around them to sparkle like fire.
The boat moves through dark water, and it looks like red flames are burning below the surface.
You dip your hand into the ocean at night and see tiny stars of light follow your fingers.

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Categories: Environment · bioluminescence· ocean phenomena· marine life