Bheemili beach in Visakhapatnam is glowing: Here’s why

Visakhapatnam: Residents of Visakhapatnam are witnessing a rare sight—glowing beaches. The phenomenon known as ‘Bioluminescence’ is seen only in a few places in India. Now, Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh has joined the list.

In the last few days, the Bheemili beach in Visakhapatnam witnessed this rare sight as the beach waters glowed at night. Videos and photos shared by weather forecasters are trending on social media.

Photos tweeted by Sai Kiran, popularly known as Vizag Weatherman, show the rare phenomena at Bheemili beach at night. The phenomena is also seen at the beach stretch from Kailasagiri to Bheemili.

Speaking to NewsMeter, Kiran said, “We cannot confirm if this phenomenon can be seen daily, but I believe it happens only during particular seasons. It usually depends on the concentration of a particular alga at the coast. While this phenomenon is seen after 9 p.m., some witnessed light emission increase during midnights at the Bheemili beach.”

According to Kiran, a similar kind of phenomenon was witnessed at RK beach and Yarada beach in 2019.

What is Bioluminescence?

Bioluminescence is caused by living organisms like bacteria, fungi, algae, insects and, in some cases, aquatic animals. It is a type of chemiluminescence or a chemical reaction that occurs within these organisms, where chemical energy is converted into radiant energy, thereby producing light.

Luciferin, a molecule found in these organisms, is responsible for this phenomenon, where it reacts with oxygen and produces light. Commonly called sea sparkle, the marine-dwelling species of dinoflagellate exhibits blue light when disturbed.

Is it toxic?

According to weather experts, contacting them is toxic and risky, but particularly on the Visakhapatnam coast, the Bioluminescence phenomena are shown as less concentration.

Where do we see it in India?

In India, we see this phenomenon only in a few places—Goa, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Andaman, and Lakshadweep, to date. Now, Visakhapatnam has been added to the list.

1. Mattu Beach, Karnataka

Located 10 km from Udupi, Mattu beach is a place where we can see the waters glow at night due to the bioluminescence created by the microorganism called Noctiluca.

2. Radhanagar beach, Andaman & Nicobar

This beach on Havelock Island is known for its turquoise waters and pristine sand. During certain times of the year, people can see glowing beaches due to bioluminescence phenomena.

3. Palolem Beach, Goa

Palolem beach is one of the beaches in India known for its glowing beaches.

4. Mandarmani Beach, West Bengal

Located in the East Midnapore district of West Bengal, this is one of the few beaches in eastern India where you can witness bioluminescence.

5. Bangaram Island, Lakshadweep

Bangaram, a small island shaped like a teardrop in the Lakshadweep, lights up during the night. This phenomenon is due to phytoplankton, algae, and other aquatic creatures, such as jellyfish, in the waters.