GALVESTON, Texas — If you were near Crystal Beach Friday, you may have noticed an unusual blue glow in the water.
What you were seeing is bioluminescence. Experts at Texas A&M at Galveston say algae called sea sparkle typically blooms this time of year when the temperatures are just right.
The organisms have a chemical reaction that releases energy in the form of light, causing the blue glow in the water.
"I got to see the algae! So cool…walking on the beach it would light up under your feet!" Rachel Moreland McDonald, of Deer Park, posted on the Bolivar Beachcombers Facebook page.
Bioluminescence is not only in the water. It's also in the air according to Texas A&M. They say the best example of this is a firefly.
You can read more about bioluminescence on the Texas A&M at Galveston website.
Thanks to Maddox for sharing the above photo with us. Rachel Moreland McDonald, of Cypress, got this beautiful shot.
If you're near the coast and spot the glowing blue waves, share photos and videos with us through the Near Me feature of our app.