For centuries, sailors have reported encountering "milky seas," vast glowing patches of ocean that appear during moonless nights. One notable account from 1849 by Captain Kempthorne described the phenomenon as a dazzling, phosphorescent sea, resembling a boundless expanse of snow. Despite these accounts, the first scientific sample of milky seas was only collected in 1985. Atmospheric scientist Justin Hudson from the University of Colorado has since developed a database using historical reports and satellite imagery to better understand the occurrence of this phenomenon.
Hudson’s research aims to identify when and where milky seas appear, facilitating future sampling efforts. His advisor, Steven D. Miller, emphasizes the challenge of accessing these remote areas, as 70% of the Earth is ocean, making it difficult to pinpoint locations for study. Previous research suggests that the bioluminescence in milky seas is caused by the bacteria Vibrio harveyi, which glows continuously when its population peaks, unlike typical bioluminescence from dinoflagellates that react to disturbances.
This ongoing research hopes to shed light on the mysterious milky seas, providing insights into their biology and potential ecological roles.
