Nightshining

Nightshining is a term used to describe light emission that is observable at night. It is not a formal scientific category, but it is used across science, industry, and culture to refer to phenomena where light persists or appears in darkness.

Biological nightshining refers to bioluminescence in organisms such as fireflies, glow-worms, and certain marine species, which produce light through biochemical reactions for purposes like attraction or defense.

Materials and products: Phosphorescent materials store energy from light and release it gradually, creating a sustained afterglow in darkness; they are used in safety signs, watches, and novelty paints. Fluorescent materials glow under illumination but typically stop after the excitation is removed.

Culture and usage: The term has appeared in poetry and music as a metaphor for nocturnal radiance; it is sometimes used as a brand name or in fictional settings to denote luminous nightscapes.

Related terms include bioluminescence, phosphorescence, fluorescence, and chemiluminescence.