Why Snow Glows in the Arctic: The Science Explained

Speedy Summary

• Glowing Snow in the Arctic: Researchers observed glowing blue lights emanating from the snow in 2021 near the White Sea in the Arctic.
• Cause Identified: The glow was traced to a species called Metridia longa, a tiny bioluminescent copepod, carrying an enzyme called luciferin that emits light when combined with oxygen.
• Research Findings: These organisms typically inhabit northern seas and normally exist underwater. Their unexpected presence on land is believed to result from being washed ashore, startling them into emitting their light as a defense mechanism.
• Tourism potential: While seeing glowing snow on land is rare, visitors may witness Metridia longa‘s bioluminescence in Arctic waters using nighttime guided tours or expeditions.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The discovery of naturally occurring bioluminescence by marine organisms like Metridia longa emphasizes the intricate connectedness of nature and sheds light on unique phenomena in EarthS polar regions. It highlights the importance of studying underexplored environments such as thawing permafrost or melting glaciers-areas increasingly impacted by climate change-which could reveal more remarkable adaptations among local ecosystems.

For India, such findings resonate with ongoing efforts at polar research stations like Bharati (Antarctica) and Himadri (Arctic). Exploring similar phenomena can contribute meaningfully to India’s scientific pursuits for climate data and ecological understanding globally, paralleling discoveries made abroad while deepening awareness of fragile ecosystems under environmental stress.

Read More: BGR Article