Introduction

Fluorescence, phosphorescence, bioluminescence; the “escence” of light.  Through these different chemical phenomena, creatures, rocks, and clothing can emit light in a unique way.  Fluorescence is the reason that your bowling ball glows in cosmic bowling (5).  When you have a glow in the dark keychain, phosphorescence is at play.  Fireflies thrive by using bioluminescence for mating (6).  Light made by chemical reactions falls under the category of chemiluminescence.  Studying the chemistry involved within these phenomena has solved many of these awe-inspiring and light-emitting mysteries.