Have you ever heard of a sea of stars? Well, now you’ve not only heard of one, you’ve seen one! As night falls on certain beaches around the world, the waves glow with an eerie blue light. Millions of small, blue neon dots make it look as though stars are washing up on shore. “The Sea of Stars” of Vaadhoo Island Maldives attracts millions of tourists each year.
What you’re seeing is actually millions of microscopic organisms called bioluminescent phytoplankton. Some of the most spectacular photographs have been captured from one location, Maldives (an island in an atoll located in the Indian ocean). Vaadhoo island, Maldives, has been nick named “The Sea of Stars” and for a good reason.
Also known as the ‘’red tide’’, the blue glow in the night is a side effect of the blooming red algae. As a result, during the day the entire beach appears red. In fact, the beautiful blue light is the result of phytoplankton, which is a very small organism eaten by many whales. A natural chemical reaction called ‘’bioluminescence’’ is the scientific reason behind this occurrence. It is what makes the shore and waves have neon blue particles, as well as their unbelievable twinkle. In case you’re not a marine biologist, technically oxygen disturbing microorganisms in the water is what is causing this to occur.
It draws many tourists to Maldives, eager to see the beautiful, natural phenomenon made by millions of marine microbes. Everyone is eager to witness the natural phenomenon that turns water and sand to electric neon blue.
This video comes from Wonder World’s YouTube page, which can be viewed here. For more Mindful Living Around the World videos on our website click here.