The Sea Glows for Miles—and No One Can Yet Explain Why
The milky sea phenomenon, a steady white glow covering vast ocean areas, remains unexplained. Researchers know that the bacterium Vibrio harveyi is likely responsible for the light, but they do not know what causes billions of bacteria to concentrate together and glow. The phenomenon has been documented in the Arabian Sea and Southeast Asia, and a study has collected over 400 historical reports. A chance encounter of a private yacht in August 2019 confirmed that the phenomenon can be detected via satellites.
The milky sea phenomenon, a steady white glow covering vast ocean areas, remains unexplained. For over 400 years, sailors have described nights when the sea turns into a glowing white surface. Unlike flashing blue bioluminescence, this glow is constant and unaffected by ship movement. Researchers know that the bacterium Vibrio harveyi is likely responsible for the light, but they do not know what causes billions of bacteria to concentrate together and glow simultaneously. The phenomenon has been documented mainly in the Arabian Sea and Southeast Asia, and a study has collected over 400 historical reports. A chance encounter of a private yacht in August 2019 off Indonesia confirmed that the phenomenon can be detected via satellites. Researchers hope that tracking from space will allow them to reach a glowing patch before it disappears. The mystery also includes questions about the phenomenon's impact on the ecosystem.