Milky Seas From Atlas Obscura
Radiolab for Kids
Deep Dive
What are Milky Seas, and why were they considered a myth for centuries?
Milky Seas are gigantic swaths of bioluminescence that radiate from the surface of the ocean, covering thousands of square miles. For centuries, they were considered a myth because sightings were rare and often dismissed as sailor tales, similar to mermaids or the Loch Ness Monster. It wasn't until satellite technology captured evidence of these phenomena that their existence was confirmed.
How did satellite technology help confirm the existence of Milky Seas?
Satellite technology, specifically the day-night band sensors, allowed scientists to capture high-quality images of the Earth at night. In 2004, satellite scientist Steve Miller used these sensors to detect a massive glowing patch of water in the Arabian Sea, matching a report from Captain John Briand in 1995. This confirmed that Milky Seas were real and not just folklore.
What role did Captain John Briand play in the discovery of Milky Seas?
Captain John Briand, aboard the SS Lima in 1995, witnessed a massive glowing patch of water in the Arabian Sea. His detailed report, submitted to the Marine Observer, provided the exact coordinates and description of the phenomenon. This report later became crucial for satellite scientist Steve Miller to locate and confirm the existence of Milky Seas using satellite imagery.
What makes the bioluminescence in Milky Seas unique compared to other bioluminescent phenomena?
The bioluminescence in Milky Seas is unique because it covers vast areas, sometimes as large as 15,000 square kilometers, and is caused by bacteria like Vibrio harveyi. Unlike other bioluminescent organisms, these bacteria use quorum sensing, meaning they only glow when their population reaches about 100 million bacteria per cubic centimeter of water. This creates a massive, uniform glow visible from space.
What are the unanswered scientific questions about Milky Seas?
Scientists still don't fully understand why and how Milky Seas form, what the bacteria feed on, how deep the bioluminescence extends, or the exact number of bacteria involved. Additionally, the conditions that trigger quorum sensing in the bacteria remain a mystery, making Milky Seas a fascinating and ongoing area of research.
How has Steve Miller contributed to the study of Milky Seas?
Steve Miller, a satellite scientist, pioneered the use of day-night band sensors to detect Milky Seas from space. After confirming their existence in 2004, he developed methods to filter out atmospheric light and identify Milky Seas in real-time satellite images. His work has led to multiple discoveries and a deeper understanding of this rare phenomenon.
What is the significance of Milky Seas in scientific and cultural contexts?
Milky Seas are significant both scientifically and culturally. Scientifically, they represent a rare and poorly understood natural phenomenon that challenges our understanding of bioluminescence and marine ecosystems. Culturally, they have been part of sailor folklore for centuries, appearing in works like 'Moby Dick' and '20,000 Leagues Under the Sea,' and even documented by Charles Darwin.
What is Steve Miller's ultimate goal regarding Milky Seas?
Steve Miller's ultimate goal is to sail across a Milky Sea and experience the phenomenon firsthand. He hopes to use advanced satellite technology to locate one in real-time and assemble a team to study it up close, potentially even swimming in the glowing waters to better understand its mysteries.
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