Sea lights up with gorgeous uncommon show of bioluminescent plankton

Stunning images captured the moment the sea lit up with vibrant bioluminescent plankton that is rarely seen in the UK.

The stunning display of blue swirls and waves was seen yesterday evening at Sheerness Beach in Kent.

Photos of the magical moment show a vivid electric blue colour stretched across the shore line as stones were thrown into the water, creating stunning breaks and ripples in the rare display.

Often dubbed the ‘Northern Lights of the ocean’, the intense colour is caused by bioluminescent plankton, small creatures in the sea that emit light when disturbed by motion. 

One image of the scene shows a close-up of a vibrant light blue set of circles in the sea, gathered next to each other as small pebbles break up the collection.

Vibrant blue bioluminescent plankton was seen lighting up the shoreline at Sheerness Beach, in Kent, on the evening of May 18

The plankton emits a vivid glow when disturbed

The display is a rare occurrence in the UK and is usually seen in warmer climates such as the Maldives and Mexico

Another shows a longer stretch of a darker blue string of sparkles –  creating a stunning contrast to the dull, dark backdrop of the Kent night.

A final photo captured just how long the luminous plankton stretched on for down the shoreline as it lit up the edge of the beach for the eyes of any lucky passers by.

Displays from bioluminescent plankton is rarely seen in the UK, with it mainly being seen in warmer climates such as the Maldives and Mexico.

However, every now and then, bioluminescent plankton can be spotted glittering through the waters in North Wales.

According to The Outdoor Swimming Society, spotting the rare display is much easier on a dark night, when viewers’ eyes are not desensitised by brighter artificial sources of light that is found in urban areas.

Bright moonlight can also dull the shine of the plankton, so cloudy nights are best for seeing bioluminescence in the sea.

The tiny sea creatures emit the light when oxygen reacts with the liciferin and liciferase within the organisms – creating the luminous ripples. 

The same effect takes place when people disrupt calm waters.

By then splashing the water and creating motion, if there are plankton present they will begin to glow.

They are completely safe to interact with, and make for a fun and unique experience for those who find themselves near warm waters during the evening.

Places like Penmon Point in Wales host the displays sometimes between April and November, when the sea is warmer.

However, it might require some perseverance to finally catch a glimpse of the glowing waters.

What is Bioluminescence? And what causes the sea to sparkle?

Bioluminescence is the production or emission of light by a living creature which can cause an incredible glow from the sea. 

The phenomenon is a result of a chemical reaction that occurs when chemical energy is converted to light energy. For this to happen the creature must carry a molecule called luciferin.

When luciferin reacts with oxygen it creates light energy which we perceive as a glow.

Bright: Photographer Tom Bow said: ‘It’s been spotted at different locations along the South Wales coast in the past week although it’s slightly unpredictable’

While only a few land creatures, such as fire flies, can create their own light, about ninety percent of deep-sea marine life can produce bioluminescence – often the light they emit is blue or green, so it can transmit through seawater easily. However, some emit red and infrared light in order to hunt in almost pitch black deep seas.

Sea sparkle – or –  Noctiluca scintillans – usually occurs in hotter climates.

Warm weather can cause a rapid increase in the rate in which plankton grows and reproduces.

Once there are more than 100,000 algae cells in just a liter of water (which usually only occurs when it’s very hot and dry) the plankton ‘charge up’ and create a glow.

This only happens when it gets dark, during the day the plankton usually appears as a rusty-brown color.   

Natural phenomenon: Bioluminescence is the production and emission of light by a living organism. The light is created through a complex chemical reaction