NOAA apparently owns a better camera than Caleb.

NOAANOAA apparently owns a better camera than Caleb.

Caleb Kraft, secret genius, made a night light out of phosphorescent (the technical term is “glow-in-the-dark”) algae, and you can, too. Here is how:

Your support powers solutions-focused climate reporting — keeping it free for everyone. All donations DOUBLED for a limited time. Give now in under 45 seconds.
Secure · Tax deductible · Takes 45 Seconds

Stories like this don’t tell themselves.

Make others like it possible. Your support powers solutions-focused climate reporting — keeping it free for everyone. Give now in under 45 seconds.
Secure · Tax deductible · Takes 45 Seconds
  • Buy the algae.
  • Put it in a transparent container.
  • Make sure it’s left in the light during the day.
  • Shake it.

Really, that’s what it boils down to. Here, if you need more info, Caleb will explain.

But you need to make the light for yourself to see how totally awesome it is. And to scare your small children by telling them that their nightlight is ALIIIIIIIIIVE! (It’s not mean if it’s true.)

To support our nonprofit environmental journalism, please consider disabling your ad-blocker to allow ads on Grist. Here's How