Bioluminescence and Galactic Glow

August 01, 2014

Noctilucas_Fefo_Bouvier_Uruguay_Via_Lactea

Photographer: Fefo Bouvier
Summary Authors: Fefo Bouvier; Jim Foster

The photo above shows a stunning contrast of Noctiluca bioluminescence in the Atlantic Ocean at Barra de Valizas, Uruguay, and overhead, the glow of the Milky Way in one of the darkest skies in the world. Bioluminescent dinoflagellates are responsible for the electric blue light. Marine organisms may exhibit bioluminescence (cold light) to either attract prey or to discourage predators. This phenomenon occurs occasionally along the Uruguayan coast, but it's rarely captured with such brilliance as is displayed here. Photo taken on June 27, 2014.

Photo Details: Camera Model: Canon EOS 60D; Lens: EF-S18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS; Focal Length: 18mm; Aperture: f/3.5; Exposure Time: 15.000 s; ISO equiv: 6400; Software: Adobe Photoshop CS5.1 Macintosh.   

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