COMMENT: When you're guided by the moonlight of the night

I have never seen anything like it.

We rushed to the beach unsure of what we would find.

Luminescence or bioluminescence is a phenomenon of which I was only recently made aware.

I'd never heard of it, never seen it, but the kids in attendance were able to tell me all about it.

A stunning display of dark blue piecing light that floats on waves and shines when agitated on the beach by quick feet.

The scene could be described as a dance mat or a piece of that newfangled training equipment which sportspeople employ to improve decision making, reflexes, and response time - I tear a hamstring just watching their dexterity.

All shining lights and a frenzy of activity at a time when the excited "beach gamers" should have remained tucked in their comfy caravan bunks.

There was jumping and hollering, and frantic movement aimed at creating more blue light, egged on by parents and extended families who encouraged them to rise from their slumber, throw a hoodie over their pyjamas, and experience what one gent described as "once in a lifetime".

The last time I remember being encouraged to break much needed night-time rest I was the child, but the commotion was just the same.

Halley's Comet came to visit the inner solar system in March and April of 1986 and was readily visible from Launceston.

Binoculars were all that was required to view the world's most famous comet and our dearest family friends from across the road had a prized set.

In 1705 Edmund Halley, whom the comet is name after, first published calculations disproving the theory that comets with similar orbits were several comets.

His work proved that the comets were in fact a singleton which returned every 76 years.

Halley predicted in his book, A Synopsis of the Astronomy of Comets, that the comet was visible during 1531, 1607, and 1682.

Sadly, Edmund Halley did not live to see the comet reappear in 1758.

However, his legacy remains and for those lucky enough to be reading the newspaper, and were alive in 1986, it realistically was a once in a lifetime experience.

In 2062 when Hayley's comet returns, I will be 86 years of age having been born in 1976.

I like the symmetry, yet one can only hope for a long innings as we try our best to live good lives.

Similarly, bioluminescence is rare but perhaps not as rare as the famous comet.

Bioluminescence occurs when light reacts with an organism. The creatures most likely showcasing this chemical reaction include fish, jellyfish, bacteria, and crustaceans.

It is likely that krill produced the dazzling light and movement spectacle that we will never forget.

The organism arguably contracts and reflexes to produce light. Camouflage or even a form of communication are suggested as the reasons why.

Well, I can guarantee you, the krill that we saw while exploring the beach after dark on Tasmania's beautiful coastline were having an animated and lively discussion perhaps engrossed in conversation concerning the upcoming state election ... or a circling whale.

As a 10-year-old child, viewing Halley's Comet was fun, something different and unexpected.

It was an opportunity to stay up late and socialise, nonetheless - I can remember the evening as clear as day.

Dancing with bioluminescence in 2021 was like spying on Halley in 1986, but roles were reversed. I was the adult, the parent, and the only difference was I was more excited.

There was no way we were going to miss the opportunity. A pod of puffer jackets and a selection of thongs made the launch from slumber more practical and warmer, but the buzz was just the same.

Just go with flow they say - try not to argue, avoid political and religious debates, do not interfere, do not offer gratuitous advice - just go with the flow.

The waves teach us teach us to flow. Surfers and stand-up paddle boarders teach us to embrace the conditions, they can harness the waves, but they cannot control them.

Our lives can often be filled with conflict. The socials do not help this agitation as we post in haste with many not considering the long-term ramifications of their actions.

We all have digital footprints, pictures and tags and shares and commentary often aimed at being humorous to family and friends or stinging those we fall in opposition against, and sometimes they are even crass.

Disagreement can be positive, while conflict rarely leads to the outcomes the argument desires to solve.

A rip pushes the waves into conflict as the water rushes from the sand back out to sea, desperate to escape.

Across Australia with hot summers and warmer autumns that conflict can be dangerous, but it can also be of assistance as surfers harness the current to catch just one more wave.

But if you ever hear the call and find yourself guided by the moonlight of the night, make sure you sashay your way to bioluminescence.