Short Wave Solving A Centuries Old Maritime Mystery
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Jun 2, 2025 Discover the enchanting phenomenon of milky seas, where vast ocean areas glow mysteriously on moonless nights. Dive into historical accounts that stretch back 400 years and the incredible 1985 scientific breakthrough when a rare sample was finally collected. Explore the luminous bacteria Vibrio harvei that brings these waters to life, and learn how satellite imagery is revolutionizing our understanding of these captivating occurrences. This deep-sea mystery intertwines folklore with cutting-edge research, offering a glimpse into the wonders of our oceans.
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Historical Milky Seas Accounts
- Sailors have told stories for hundreds of years about vast glowing ocean areas called milky seas.
- One described it as sailing over a limitless bright expanse resembling snow or quicksilver.
Milky Sea Water Tastes Normal
- Some historic accounts describe tasting the glowing milky sea water, with one surgeon finding it tastes like normal seawater.
- This suggests the glow isn't from toxic chemicals but likely from living organisms in the water.
Vibrio Bacteria Cause Milky Seas
- The leading theory is that bioluminescent bacteria, specifically Vibrio harveyi, cause milky seas.
- These bacteria glow at critical population levels, attracting predators and continuing their life cycle.