Watch footage of China’s bioluminescent seas known as ‘blue tears’

Scientists report in a new study they have found a way for satellites to track the bioluminescent plankton responsible for producing “blue tears” in China’s coastal waters and found the sparkly creatures have become more abundant in recent years. Red Noctiluca scintillans are single-celled organisms found in coastal waters all over the world. Commonly known as sea sparkles, at night they glow a bright blue when disturbed by swimmers, waves or passing boats. The sea sparkles’ dazzling blue light, often cal