digital_C11_SUM23 | Page 32

BIOLUMINESCENCE IN VIEQUES

Beneath a blanket of stars , the sea sets the stage for one of nature ’ s most spectacular talents : bioluminescence . A rare phenomenon commonly observed in marine life , bioluminescence is the result of a chemical reaction from within an organism ’ s body often resulting in the creature emitting a vibrant bluish-green hue .
The world ’ s brightest display of this dreamy occurrence happens at Vieques Islands ’ Mosquito Bay where billions of Dinoflagellates ( dinos ) light up the surf in neon-like aqua-colored bursts each night . While the dinos are visible throughout the year , they ’ re best observed during the darkness and calm of a new moon .
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