On view through Jan. 6, 2103, at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City, “Creatures of Light: Nature’s Bioluminescence” explores one of nature’s most fascinating topics: an organism’s ability to produce light. Although there are a few land-based organisms, such as fireflies, that possess the capability to glow, the ability to generate light through chemical reaction is most common among plants and animals that live deep in the ocean (below 700 meters).
The exhibit is a fantastic journey into another universe of species. Divided into eight areas—Introduction, a Summer’s Night, a Mysterious Cave, a Sparkling Sea, Night Dive, Altered Light, Borrowed Light, and the Deep Ocean—visitors are taken from land to the deep sea in pursuit of these amazing creatures. An accompanying soundtrack composed for the exhibit adds acoustical delight to match the images and interactive displays.
Whether you’re a child or an adult, a science novice or a lighting professional, this exhibit will educate, fascinate, and inspire. And while the scientific explanations are provided throughout, one still can’t help but ask: How does nature do that? Details at amnh.org.
