An Eerie Light!

In 1985, scientists were surprised when near the vents they found shrimps that have two eyelike organs with light-sensitive chemicals but no lenses. Of course, the first question that came to mind was, What could these animals possibly see in a world of total darkness? In order to find out, researchers made use of a highly sensitive digital camera, such as is used to photograph faint stars. They aimed the camera at a vent, turned off all their lights, and took a picture.

The result was amazing. The picture revealed “a dramatic, unequivocal glow with a sharply defined edge” where the jet of hot water left the chimney, says scientist Cindy Lee Van Dover. Do the shrimps exploit this eerie light, which is invisible to human eyes?

[Picture on page 9]

Shrimps

Some have two eyelike organs. But what can they see in total darkness?

[Credit Line]

EMORY KRISTOF/NGS Image Collection