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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Eurasian scops owl
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Quebec City for Winter Carnival
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Pumpkin patch
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75 years of the United Nations
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It’s National Dolphin Day!
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Penguin Awareness Day
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The tale of squirrels like Nutkin
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Let s get lost
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Poinsettia Day
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Uredd Rest Area, Norway
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Aurora borealis
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Moody skies over Valletta
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1, 1, 2, 3: It s Fibonacci Day!
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Cuban tody, Alejandro de Humboldt National Park, Cuba
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A leafy seadragon in the waters off Wool Bay, Australia
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Cherry blossoms in Shanghai, China
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Does it swim in slow motion too?
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The Alhambra in Granada, Spain
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Wildebeest on the move
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A predator at risk
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Happy Easter!
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A prison fit for a count
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Dressed to impress
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Happy birthday to the Peak!
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An uncommon look at an American icon
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Whangārei Falls in New Zealand
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Rays on parade
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International Sloth Day
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Big Bend National Parks birthday
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Taughannock Falls State Park