Our planet is as unique as it is beautiful – and so is the life it nurtures.
If you’re lucky, you’ve witnessed at least one natural phenomenon that filled you with wonder and took your breath away. For Patrick Coyne, his recent remarkable experience took place off the coast of Newport Beach, California, and we can’t get enough of it!
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In April, the photographer was invited on a boat ride with Newport Coastal Adventure, a group that specializes in dolphin- and whale-watching tours.
They headed out after sunset, where Patrick eventually captured a stunning sight: neon blue dolphins gliding just below the surface.
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Of course, the dolphins weren’t actually glowing; they were swimming through bioluminescent waves!
In a nutshell, bioluminescence is a chemical reaction that happens when the molecule luciferin reacts to oxygen. Organisms containing the molecule then emit light. In this case, the vibrant blue comes from the algae in the water and makes for one gorgeous event!
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“This was by far the most challenging video I’ve shot for a number of reasons,” Patrick said later.
Conditions have to be absolutely perfect [for] the bioluminescence to show up and to have an animal swim through it so we can film it. We were out for a few hours, and on our final stretch back, we finally had two dolphins pop up to start the incredible glowing show.
Patrick called it “one of the most magical nights of my life,” and we can definitely see why!
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What an unforgettable experience! We wish we could see it in person, but thanks to Patrick’s amazing footage, we can revel in the beauty from our homes. Thank you for reminding us that we live in an awe-inspiring world!
See the magic for yourself in the video below, and share this story to spark more wonder.
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