"Light itself is a revelation"
– James Turrell
What is Biofluorescence?
Biofluorescence is the absorption of light at one wavelength followed by its reemission at a different wavelength. By shining the right type of high-energy light, like Ultraviolet onto the world, a whole new version of reality is opened up.
Think of it as a little bit of colour alchemy. A new box of colours to paint in the world with. Only this version is a lot more vibrant, shiny and joyful than the regular reflected colours we are used to.
Biofluorescence changes the colours of any landscape, green leaves suddenly become a vivid red colour, spiders bright blue, lichen an intense orange and a whole hidden world of bright colours suddenly becomes visible.
Biofluorescence can be found across all orders of life. From glowing insects, plants, lichen, fungi, fish, coral, amphibians, birds, mammals, and more.
From the skies up above us to the sub-terrenean worlds underneath, biofluorescence allows us to see in light, and in colour, invisible information for the first time. It reveals colours, signals, and interactions that have been hidden in the dark.
Curious to see more? Click on the link below to see a gallery of glow from around the world.
A world of discoveries
As global pioneers in the field of biofluorescence, we have interviewed researchers around the world and gathered more than 120 research papers on the subject. This may not sound a lot but welcome to the incredibly under-researched world of Biofluorescence where so little research has been done and new discoveries are behind every corner. The largest comparative study of the last 100 years of research on the subject had a subject size of a mere 977 organisms, meaning scientists have documented the glow of just 0.012% of species on our planet, 99.99% remain undocumented.
Alongside studying the science, we have led expeditions in five different continents to document this hidden world of glow. In many cases, with so many gaps in the science and our understanding, the only way to learn more is to be out in the field doing it yourself.
Magic awaits
Opening up this new world for the first time is like being given a new set of eyes. Every corner of your house, garden or local woods a new place, unlike anywhere you have ever visited. The entire natural world is reborn, a second state of being unveiled, with a completely new set of rules, colours and meanings. To view biofluorescence is to see nature at her shiniest, brightest and most colourful self.
There are many ways you can get out and experience the magic for yourself. Come and join us for a guided biofluorescent night walk or biofluorescent photography workshop.
Want to learn more about Biofluorescence? Why not check out our blog for all the latest articles and research on Biofluorescence.
Biofluorescent Night Walks
Explore the world of biofluorescence on a guided night walk.
Biofluorescent Talks
Talks and presentations on biofluorescence for all occassions.
Biofluorescent Guide Training
