From April through September, a type of algae commonly called ‘sea sparkle’ blooms along the coast of all 36 islands in the Matsu archipelago off the coast of Taiwan. An enzyme reaction in the algae’s single-cellular bodies creates the light-emitting chemical reaction. Locals call the natural light show ‘blue tears.’ Stranger still is that when the water is disturbed, the algae light up even brighter. If you want to see the blue tears of the Matsu Islands, there’s still time to book a trip—the bioluminescent effect is more common and more intense during the hot summer months.
The glowing waters of the Matsu Islands
Today in History
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Monet still makes an impression
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Río Negro, Amazon basin, Brazil
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A city of bridges
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Alaska Day
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Defying gravity on a swing ride
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Pride Month
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World Rainforest Day
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Wildcat in a winter wonderland
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Evidence of human habitation
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Pollinators: not to be sneezed at
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You won’t see this on Mulberry Street
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Big dreams require a big sleigh
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Big Bend National Parks birthday
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Native American Heritage Month
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This park is Superkilen
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Two rocks and a heart spot
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Come out of your shell for World Turtle Day
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A wild, craggy corner of the United States
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Male kori bustard, Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
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Pasadena Chalk Festival supports local arts education
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Talk like a pirate—or walk the plank
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Blackbird in Essex, England
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Bathing boxes at Brighton Beach, Australia
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Gentoo penguins in Antarctica
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Diving into the underwater nirvana
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Penguin Awareness Day
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It s Bermuda s big day
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We stand with Ukraine
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Happy Easter!