‘Milky sea’ events mysteriously cause the ocean to glow. Scientists are trying to track them

CNN - Apr 12th, 2025

For centuries, sailors have reported the rare phenomenon known as 'milky seas,' where vast areas of the ocean emit a glow visible even at night. This glow, likely caused by bioluminescent bacteria, has been difficult to study due to its infrequent occurrences in remote ocean regions. Recent efforts by Colorado State University's Justin Hudson have led to the creation of a comprehensive database of over 400 'milky seas' sightings. This database aims to enable researchers to predict and study these events in real-time, potentially unraveling the mysteries surrounding their formation and ecological significance.

By understanding 'milky seas,' scientists hope to gain insights into oceanic ecosystems and the role of bioluminescence. These events may indicate either a healthy or unhealthy ecosystem, but their exact implications remain unclear. The study of 'milky seas' could also shed light on broader environmental patterns, such as the impact of global climate events and changes in ocean circulation. As the bacterial phenomena are closely linked to the oceanic food chain, understanding them is crucial for predicting ecological shifts that could affect marine life globally.

Colorado State University Milky Seas Bioluminescence Justin Hudson Ocean Ecosystems Vibrio Harveyi Earth And Space Science

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

7.8

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The article provides a comprehensive and engaging overview of the mysterious phenomenon of 'milky seas,' effectively combining historical anecdotes with contemporary scientific research. It scores highly in clarity, readability, and engagement, making the complex subject matter accessible and intriguing to a general audience. The use of expert insights and vivid descriptions enhances the narrative, capturing the imagination of readers interested in natural phenomena and marine science.

While the article is timely and draws on credible sources, it could improve in areas such as transparency and source quality by providing more detailed references and links to the studies and data it discusses. Additionally, it could enhance its public interest and impact by more explicitly connecting the topic to broader environmental or policy issues, such as ocean conservation and climate change.

Overall, the article succeeds in raising awareness and curiosity about 'milky seas,' offering a well-rounded exploration of the phenomenon while acknowledging the uncertainties and ongoing research in this area. It effectively balances scientific inquiry with storytelling, making it a compelling read for those interested in the mysteries of the natural world.

Accuracy

The article accurately describes the phenomenon of 'milky seas' as a rare and mysterious bioluminescent event observed by sailors for over 400 years. It correctly attributes the glow to bioluminescent bacteria, likely Vibrio harveyi, as supported by scientific hypotheses and past research. The story also accurately notes that these events primarily occur in the Arabian Sea and Southeast Asian waters, aligning with known geographical data.

However, the article could improve by providing more detailed citations or references to the studies and historical accounts it mentions. While it discusses a new database compiled by researchers at Colorado State University, it lacks direct links to the study or database for verification. The claim about the potential impact of climate change on these occurrences is speculative, as the article itself notes that this aspect remains under investigation.

Overall, the story presents a well-researched overview of 'milky seas,' but it could benefit from more precise sourcing and clarification on some speculative elements, such as the potential ecological impact.

Balance

The article provides a balanced perspective by including views from multiple scientists and researchers, such as Justin Hudson and Dr. Steven Miller, who are actively studying 'milky seas.' It also features insights from Dr. Edith Widder, an oceanographer not involved in the study, which adds an external viewpoint to the discussion.

However, the article could include more diverse perspectives, such as those from environmental organizations or marine biologists who might offer differing views on the ecological significance of 'milky seas.' Additionally, while it mentions the potential impact of climate change on these events, it does not explore opposing viewpoints or alternative hypotheses about their causes and implications.

Overall, the story maintains a fair level of balance, but it could enhance its depth by incorporating a wider range of perspectives and exploring potential counterarguments.

Clarity

The article is well-written and easy to understand, with clear explanations of complex scientific concepts related to bioluminescence and 'milky seas.' It uses vivid descriptions and quotes from sailors to illustrate the phenomenon, making the content engaging and accessible to a general audience.

The structure of the article is logical, with a clear progression from historical accounts to current scientific research and future implications. The use of quotes from experts adds depth and clarity to the discussion, helping to convey the significance of the research.

Overall, the article excels in clarity, presenting information in a straightforward and engaging manner that is likely to be easily understood by readers without a scientific background.

Source quality

The article draws on credible sources, including researchers from Colorado State University and published studies in reputable journals like Earth and Space Science. The inclusion of expert opinions from scientists like Justin Hudson and Dr. Steven Miller lends authority to the claims made in the story.

While the article references historical accounts from sailors, it could improve by providing more detailed attribution or archival sources for these anecdotes. Additionally, linking directly to the scientific studies or databases mentioned would enhance the transparency and reliability of the information presented.

Overall, the article relies on high-quality sources but could further strengthen its credibility by offering more detailed references and direct links to the research it discusses.

Transparency

The article provides a clear explanation of the phenomenon of 'milky seas' and the scientific efforts to study them. It transparently discusses the limitations of current knowledge, such as the unknowns regarding the ecological impact and the exact biological mechanisms behind the bioluminescence.

However, the article could improve its transparency by offering more detailed information about the methodology used in the studies it references. For example, it mentions the creation of a database but does not elaborate on how the data was collected or analyzed. Additionally, providing more context about the historical accounts and their sources would enhance the transparency of the narrative.

Overall, the article is fairly transparent about the uncertainties and ongoing research but could benefit from more detailed explanations of the methodologies and sources involved.