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Many animals live in the deep sea and use its darkness to their advantage. Over 80 percent of the species living in the depths are able to create light, and this light is often vital to their survival. By creating and manipulating that light, these animals are able to navigate, find prey, communicate, and thrive in an environment that’s mysterious to us.
Dinoflagellate bioluminescence in an ocean wave. Photo: Jed Sundwall
You’re seeing this water jelly (here, and in the above photo) under full-spectrum light. Although it can luminesce, it’s NOT glowing in this photo. Photo: Sierra Blakely
The type of light, or luminescence, produced by animals has a special name: it is known as bioluminescence. Some of the ways that the creatures of the deep use bioluminescence are similar to the ways people use light. For instance, many fish use light to communicate, just like the way lighthouses protect boats along coastlines around the world. Humans even rely on bioluminescence to conduct life-saving research.
This winter we are celebrating luminescence and the incredible world of underwater light. Between November 24 and January 2, learn about what glows there, far under the surface of the water. Experience different types of light, become a research assistant by conducting an experiment that creates light, and find out how we are surprisingly similar to the otherworldly creatures of the deep.
Learn about our Luminescence holiday feature.
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