Nature
PUBLISHED
A bunch of beaches on the Australian island of Tasmania are sparkling with a strange electric-blue glow, perhaps further proof that all of Australasia's nature is absolutely insane.
The rest of this article is behind a paywall. Please sign in or subscribe to access the full content.The sight can be seen around certain parts of the shores on the northern coast of Tasmania, ranging from Preservation Bay, Rocky Cape, Hobart, and the East coast near Bicheno.
The otherworldly effect is due to bioluminescent single-cell organisms called dinoflagellates, specifically Noctiluca scintillans, or "sea sparkles". They tend to appear in coastal waters and light up when disturbed, either hoping to scare off any would-be predators or to attract fish that prey upon their predators.
The natural phenomenon is also a massive draw for another species: Instagrammers. Social media is alight with locals spreading and sharing their stunning photos of the unusual event. You can check out a selection of them below.
In other “weird water news" from down under, a salt lake in Melbourne turned a vibrant hot pink last week, thanks to a pigment-producing microorganism known as Dunaliella salin algae.
For more photos of Tasmania's bioluminescent seas, check out a collection from 2016 here.
