A mysterious ocean glow reported for over 400 years has stumped scientists. A new study could offer clues

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🗞️ Driving the news: After centuries of anecdotal sightings by sailors, scientists are closer to understanding the mysterious “milky seas” — vast bioluminescent events that make the ocean glow for hundreds of kilometers
• A new study, published in Earth and Space Science, compiles over 400 verified sightings into a searchable database, potentially enabling researchers to predict and observe these phenomena in real time

🔭 The context: “Milky seas,” primarily seen in the Arabian Sea and Southeast Asia, are thought to be caused by massive concentrations of Vibrio harveyi, a bioluminescent bacterium
• Unlike the short bursts of light seen from dinoflagellates, milky seas emit a steady glow that can last for weeks and cover up to 100,000 km² — large enough to be observed from satellites
• The events are rare, usually occurring in remote waters with strong upwelling, and have been historically difficult to study due to their fleeting nature

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: The ability to forecast milky sea events offers a unique window into marine ecosystems and the global carbon cycle
Scientists suggest that these glowing waters could signal major shifts in microbial dynamics, food chain behavior, and ocean health. Understanding them could help reveal how climate variability, like the Indian Ocean Dipole or El Niño, impacts bioluminescent life and broader oceanic systems.

⏭️ What's next: With the newly established database, researchers aim to deploy ships or remote sensing tools to actively monitor milky sea events
• This could enable real-time data collection on the bacteria involved and their ecological role
• Scientists are also investigating the impact of these glows on nocturnal marine species and their implications for carbon transport and climate-linked ocean patterns

💬 One quote: “This is a natural experiment that has the potential to reveal a lot about the workings of life in the ocean,” - Dr. Edith Widder, marine biologist and founder of the Ocean Research & Conservation Association

📈 One stat: Milky seas can span up to 100,000 square kilometers — nearly the size of Iceland — and emit light strong enough for sailors to read by

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