Are jellyfish that wash up dead?

Great whites in the Philippines: Rare but real

When people think of great white sharks, images of coastlines in South Africa or California often come to mind. These massive predators are typically associated with cooler waters, so it's no surprise that their presence in the tropical Philippines raises eyebrows. Yet, despite being uncommon, great whites do occasionally show up in Philippine waters.

While not a regular part of the local marine scene, there have been documented sightings over the years—some captured by fishermen, others by researchers. These appearances are rare, but they’re not impossible. The Philippines, with its vast coastline and deep offshore waters, lies within a region where ocean currents and migratory patterns could bring large pelagic species through the area.

Unlike the more commonly seen whale sharks or reef sharks, great whites are solitary wanderers. They’re known to travel thousands of miles across oceans, following prey or water temperature gradients. It’s likely that any great white spotted near the Philippines is simply passing through—perhaps drawn by rich feeding grounds or seasonal shifts in marine life.

Still, such encounters remain exceptional. Local authorities and marine biologists emphasize that there’s no evidence of a resident great white population. Most shark-related incidents in the country involve other species, and attacks by great whites are unheard of here.

As research and underwater monitoring improve, we may learn more about these rare visitors. For now, the thought of a great white gliding through Philippine waters adds a touch of mystery to an already diverse and vibrant marine ecosystem. While you’re unlikely to spot one while snorkeling, knowing they can appear is a reminder of how little we still understand about the deep.

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Does water evaporate from pools at night?

Many pool owners wake up to noticeably lower water levels and wonder—could evaporation really happen overnight? The answer is a definite yes. Even without sunlight, water continues to evaporate, especially when there's a sharp difference between the pool temperature and the cooler night air.

Here’s how it works: warm water releases moisture more readily into colder, drier air. For example, a heated pool maintained at 88°F on a night when the air drops to 50°F creates ideal conditions for evaporation. That temperature gap drives moisture from the surface upward, where it’s carried away by airflow—sometimes resulting in the loss of 1 to 3 inches of water in just one night.

Heated pools are especially vulnerable. Because they maintain a higher surface temperature, they lose more water after dark than unheated ones. This effect is strongest in spring and fall, when daytime warmth gives way to chilly evenings. Wind can amplify the process, pulling vapor away faster and allowing more water to evaporate in its place.

While rain or high humidity can slow evaporation, clear, dry nights speed it up. Some may mistake this for a leak, but consistent, gradual water loss, particularly after warm days followed by cool nights, is often just natural physics at work.

To minimize overnight evaporation, experts recommend using a pool cover. Not only does it trap heat and reduce chemical loss, but it can cut water evaporation by up to 90%. For pool owners, that means less refill hassle, lower heating costs, and more stable water chemistry.

So yes, water absolutely evaporates at night. And while you’re sleeping, your pool could be quietly losing gallons to the atmosphere, all thanks to the invisible pull of temperature and air flow.

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