Mysterious Flashes in the Ocean – What Scientists Say About Them

For centuries, mysterious underwater flashes known as te lapa have been recorded in the Pacific Ocean, which ancient Polynesians used for navigation. Scientists propose two hypotheses: tectonic activity and bioluminescence, but no single explanation exists. Reflections from stars and satellites are ruled out. A solution may only come from new deep-sea expeditions.

In the waters of the Pacific Ocean, an anomalous light phenomenon has been recorded for centuries—mysterious underwater flashes known in Polynesian tradition as te lapa (meaning 'flash'). According to Popular Mechanics, these light effects resemble lightning striking in the ocean depths in the absence of storms and disappearing within fractions of a second. Ancient Polynesian navigators used this glow for orientation: the flashes indicated the direction to the nearest land, allowing them to find islands even in darkness or cloudy weather. Scientists have not yet reached a consensus on the nature of the phenomenon. There are two main working hypotheses: tectonic activity (a connection with processes in the Pacific Ring of Fire, where electric charges may form near underwater volcanoes and thermal vents) and bioluminescence (the glow of microscopic algae and microorganisms when mechanically irritated). In laboratory tests, similar glowing bands have been reproduced, but there is no direct evidence. Specialists have ruled out reflections from stars, satellites, and St. Elmo's fire. According to scientists, the solution may only come from new deep-sea expeditions with highly sensitive instruments.