Microbe of the month

A wave that glows blue in the dark or a boat that leaves a trail of light behind it: it almost seems like magic. But the real cause is tiny: billions of luminescent microbes in the sea. The microbe of the month August, Pyrocystis lunula, is a single-celled alga that gives the sea a distinctive blue glow on a dark evening.

This alga uses bioluminescence: the ability to produce light on its own. When the water moves, for example, due to waves or touch: P. lunula emits a brief flash of light. This helps the alga deter predators and protect itself.

The luminescent algae follow a day-night rhythm: during the day they remain dark, but at night their unique trait comes to life. On warm, calm nights, you can sometimes see this natural phenomenon yourself as a blue glow in the sea.

Curious about how a microbe can create such a large-scale light display? Come by and discover everything about this month’s luminescent microbe.