When Nature shows up, she knows how to show off. On Wednesday morning, skippers in Hermanus in the Western Cape were greeted by the most magnificent bioluminescence.
It is easier to see at night or before the sunrise – but sadly it lasts only a few days before it disappears.
South Right Charters were lucky enough to capture stunning photos of the natural phenomena.
In a Facebook post they said: “Blue sea in the morning, skippers exploring! When the crew get up early for no other reason than the love of the ocean and chances to get shots like this! A red tide has formed in the bay- in the daytime it can be easily seen from shore, at night – this red tide contains bioluminescence, which makes for stunning light displays on the breaking waves or wake of boats.”
What is Bioluminescence?
According to National Geographic, Bioluminescence is light produced by a chemical reaction within a living organism. Bioluminescence is a type of chemiluminescence, which is simply the term for a chemical reaction where light is produced. (Bioluminescence is chemiluminescence that takes place inside a living organism.)
Bioluminescence is a “cold light.” Cold light means less than 20% of the light generates thermal radiation, or heat. Most bioluminescent organisms are found in the ocean. These bioluminescent marine species include fish, bacteria, and jellies. Some bioluminescent organisms, including fireflies and fungi, are found on land. There are almost no bioluminescent organisms native to freshwater habitats.
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