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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Churún Merú waterfall in Venezuela
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Abraham Lake, Alberta, Canada
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Via Krupp, Capri, Italy
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Virgin Islands National Park established
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Audubon Christmas Bird Count
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Procida, Italy
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Here comes summer
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Reflecting on one of the world s strangest rivers
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Kelp buddies
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A storied trail marks a century
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A sea of swirling stone
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Flying high on National Bird Day
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La Brecha de Rolando (Rolands Breach), Spain
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Flag Day
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Museum Mile Festival
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National Park Week: Yosemite National Park, California
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Bear cubs roughhouse on Siblings Day
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Chapel of St. Michel on Lake Serre-Ponçon, Hautes-Alpes, France
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Silent night, sparkling lights, and hearts full of joy
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‘Ocian in view! O! The joy.’
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Full moon
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Elbphilharmonie concert hall in Hamburg, Germany
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National Public Lands Day
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Edinburgh Castle, Scotland
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National Hammock Day
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A stunning national park in winter white
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Once upon a midafternoon dreary…
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World Rivers Day
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Gifford Pinchot National Forest
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National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day
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