Milky seas effect

Unlike flashing waves or red-tide luminescence caused by "algae" such as dinoflagellates, milky seas are originate from luminous bacteria[2][3].

U.S. Defense Meteorological Satellite Program showed the milky area to be approximately 15,400 km2 (5,900 sq mi) (roughly the size of Connecticut).

In a later study[1] using a newer Day-Night Band sensor, the team was able to observe several additional events, including one from 2019 which covered 100,000 km2 or 39,000 sq mi and persisted for over 40 nights.

Dinoflagellates produce impressive bioluminescent bays, and they are responsible for the light visible in breaking waves, or glowing footprints on the beach.

However, the two types of large-scale displays can be distinguished because the bacteria that produce milky seas glow continuously when they are at high concentrations and have sufficient oxygen[3] whereas dinoflagellates flash when physically stimulated.