Rare bioluminescent waves make second appearance this week in Mumbai's popular Juhu beach. it will be visible for 2 days

A photograph of the bioluminescent waves clicked by Niklesh Mane in January

The waves of Juhu beach took on a fluorescent blue hue last night, delighting several nightwalkers and revellers.

The rare phenomenon, described as bioluminescence, is the second of its kind to be seen along the Mumbai coast. Bioluminescence is basically the production and emission of light by living marine organisms. Mumbaikars will be able to witness the phenomenon first-hand over the course of the next two days.

Dr Parvish Pandya, vice-principal and associate professor of Zoology at Bhavan’s College, who recorded this phenomenon on his mobile phone, during a stroll on the beach, said, “I am really excited to report that the bioluminescence phenomenon along Mumbai’s coast can be seen once again at Juhu beach.” Pandya, who is well-known in the wildlife and environment circles, posted the photographs of the bioluminescent waves on Facebook and urged people to visit Juhu beach today and tomorrow night, if they wanted to experience it.



Dr Parvish Pandya, vice-principal of Bhavan’s College, captured the phenomenon on his mobile phone on Tuesday night

“I think those who are interested in seeing bioluminescence should not miss this wonderful opportunity. I have posted the link of the Google location on my Facebook post. “You can climb the jetty and see the blue sparkles in the sea as the waves come in [high tide, at around 1.30 am to 2 am]. Be careful to walk back to the beach before the jetty gets surrounded by water,” he added.

Earlier this year, Niklesh Mane and his friend Abir Jain had seen the bioluminescent waves for the very first time in Mumbai in January.

What: The bioluminescence phenomenon

When: When phytoplanktons get washed ashore, a protein called luciferase is activated triggering a series of chemical reactions that produces the neon blue glow.

Where to locate the glow? 19°05’14.8”N 72°49’34.8”E