Natural phenomenon causes glowing lights in Kwazulu-Natal!
A natural phenomenon has caused glowing lights to appear over the ocean in Kwazulu-Natal. Here’s more about why it happens.
A natural phenomenon has caused glowing lights to appear over the ocean in Kwazulu-Natal, according to spectators who saw the nature-driven lightshow on Durban’s coast appearing over the past few days.
The phenomenon is common, and usually appears at night over the ocean – though it can be a rare sight that not everyone will get to see during their lifetime.
Here’s more about the spectacular event, and what makes these glowing lights appear over the water during the nighttime.
NATURAL PHENOMENON CAUSES GLOWING LIGHTS IN KWAZULU-NATAL
Social media posts from the past few days have reported glowing lights over the water, reported from the Kwazulu-Natal province.
ALSO READ: Snow, snow and more snow in large parts of South Africa!
Glowing lights could be seen from the coast for a brief period, hovering over the ocean with some spectators getting the opportunity to take photographs of the unique event.
The natural phenomenon causes lights to dance over the sea, much like Northern Lights.
It’s not something that you’ll see every day, and the event has left some people baffled as to what makes this happen.
WHY WERE LIGHTS GLOWING IN KWAZULU-NATAL?
Glowing lights over the ocean is a natural phenomenon that Kids Discover refers to as ‘noctiluca scintillans’ – or a type of sea plankton that glows when exposed to just the right conditions, creating the illusion of dancing lights.
ALSO READ: Education department commences with matric marking process
The glowing lights pictured in Kwazulu-Natal is likely part of this natural phenomenon, which illuminates the water and causes a beautiful, natural lightshow.
Did you know it’s possible for the night to glow?
OTHER REASONS FOR GLOWING LIGHTS
Plankton aren’t the only natural reason for glowing lights appearing out of nowhere.
ALSO READ: Weather Watch: Why South Africa’s weather is getting weirder
Some other explanations for glowing lights can include fireflies, which attract mates by glowing – usually at night. However, fireflies are more likely to appear over ground coverage and trees instead of in the ocean.
DID YOU SEE IT?
Did you get to see the glowing lights from Kwazulu-Natal? Tell us about it, and send us your photographs or footage!
Get in touch at info@thesouthafrican.com; we love hearing from our readers!