‘Sea sparkle’ dazzles Southern California beachgoers with natural light show

The coastline of Southern California has been putting on a nightly show. Crashing waves are lighting up a neon blue as they roll in. Sometimes called “sea sparkle,” the display is the result of tiny microscopic organisms that are bioluminescent.

Marine biologist Michael Latz says the glowing microorganisms that create the electric blue waves use their light for defense. Photo courtesy of Michael Latz.