University of Tasmania
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Luminous Tasmania: seeing the dark in a different light

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posted on 2024-01-24, 02:34 authored by Lisa-ann GershwinLisa-ann Gershwin

A resplendence of poets could not conceive of something so exquisite as the kaleidoscope of nature’s nocturnal glow. For the first time, this paper presents an overview of Tasmania’s luminous phenomena: the Aurora Australis, or Southern Lights; Sea Sparkles, or marine bioluminescence Noctiluca scintillans; Glow-worms Arachnocampa tasmaniensis; Ghost Mushrooms Omphalotus nidiformis and other fungi; fluorescent scorpions Cercophonius squama; fluorescent marsupials (14 species), placental mammals (five species), and monotremes (two species); fluorescent birds (eight species); and Goblin’s Gold Moss Mittenia plumula. For each, I briefly detail their natural history, early Tasmanian history, notes on their occurrence in nature, and other aspects of interest. Many of these phenomena are little known in Tasmania and require further scientific inquiry. All have great tourism and educational potential and most of the living forms are under increasing threat for their survival.

History

Publication title

Papers and Proceedings of the Royal Society of Tasmania

Volume

156

Pagination

135-160

ISSN

0080–4703

Publisher

The Royal Society of Tasmania

Rights statement

Copyright 2022 The Royal Society of Tasmania

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