The Ethereal Beauty of Glowing Beaches Like a Starry Night Sky (8 photos)

Taiwanese photographer Will Ho captured the stunning phenomenon of bioluminescence along the beaches of the Maldives.

Every year, the Maldives plays host to an extraordinary sight: a magical glowing shoreline with sand sprinkled with blue lights that look as though a starry night sky is reflected right on the beach.







1. This glow is created by phytoplankton—single-celled algae—and cyanobacteria, organisms that are capable of photosynthesis.





2. These microorganisms emit a sapphire-blue glow, driven by chemical reactions that release energy in the form of light.



3. Phytoplankton typically glow when disturbed, such as by crashing waves or striking an obstacle. These flashes also serve as a warning sign against approaching predators.



4. The photographer is often asked whether these images are real.



5. He assures skeptics they are authentic, though you need a stroke of serious luck to encounter such a high concentration of bioluminescent creatures in one place.



6. Luck was on his side when he stumbled upon this stunning scene outside a Thai restaurant in the Maldives.



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