Disclosed is a signaling beacon that includes an infrared or thermal energy emission system using fluid such as water for use in infrared signaling without the need for more complicated electronic systems. The beacon includes a pump coupled to a porous media emission structure that selectively allows fluid in and out of the. The apparatus features a porous structure that generate one or more fluid structures such as droplets or other fluid shapes that effectively increase or decrease fluid surface area on the fluid emission structure and thereby increase or decrease energy emissions in relation to the fluid emission structure. The control system can selectively modulate pressure/fluid transfer via the fluid pump to alter energy emission according to a modulation pattern that can be detected at a distance and recognized as a known signal.