Glowing Waves Turn Beaches Into a Sea of Stars After Dark

Some beaches around the world take on an almost otherworldly appearance at night, as moving waves produce blue flashes across the water’s surface.

Against the darkness, the luminous water can resemble a sea of stars. The effect follows the motion of the waves, briefly lighting up the shoreline as they roll in and break.

The natural phenomenon is known as bioluminescence, the production of light by living organisms. In coastal waters, tiny marine organisms can emit light when disturbed by waves or other movement.

The glow is not a permanent feature of every evening. Its visibility depends on the presence of light-producing organisms and local conditions, while darker surroundings make the blue flashes easier to see.