Thursday 20th February | 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Biofluorescent Night Walk
What is biofluorescence?
Biofluorescence is where organisms absorb sunlight and then re-emit that light at a different wavelength, producing a different colour to the colour absorbed. Whilst some animals are able to see this emitted light, humans are unable to see this wavelength unless they use an ultraviolet (UV) light.
Biofluorescence occurs in all sorts of organisms including insects, plants, lichen, moss, fungi and various species of fish, birds and mammals. Shining a UV light on the organism reveals the bright colourful light emitted.
Biofluorescence isn't to be confused with bioluminescence, which is created by a light-producing chemical reaction within an organism, and which results in those amazing swathes of plankton lighting up the sea, for example. Biofluorescence is only visible with an external (UV) light source.