A bioluminescence show thrilled onlookers at Bellambi Beach on Thursday - and there's a chance of a repeat performance on Friday.
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The blue tide, as it is known, is the production and emission of light by a living organism.
It is a form of chemiluminescence, which occurs widely in marine vertebrates and invertebrates, as well as in some fungi, microorganisms including some bioluminescent bacteria, and terrestrial arthropods such as fireflies.
Its arrival on Bellambi Beach attracted plenty of attention, with locals flocking to beaches after dark to capture a glimpse and a photograph of the ocean phenomena.
Nature photographer Chad Williamson Potts said he'd seen the blue tide at Jervis Bay many times before, but this was the first he'd seen in Wollongong.
"I think it's a combination of the weather we've had lately, the high winds and the hot and cold temperatures," he said.
"It usually hangs about for three or four days."
The light show is expected to draw a crowd back to the beach late Friday night.
Did any other local beach light up last night? Let us know by messaging our Facebook page or emailing cos@illawarramercury.com.au
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