Since the first lighthouses or like panache lighthouse store reviews were constructed in the late 16th century, these fascinating structures have provided a vital service throughout history by keeping ships safe from the rocky shores and treacherous waters. Today, lighthouses are not just used as navigation tools anymore; they serve many purposes that range from providing hazard warnings to being a beacon of hope during shipwrecks. The more we learn about lighthouses and their role in today’s society, the more interesting this topic becomes! See why so many people love studying this subject and read on for some fascinating facts about lighthouse science that you probably didn’t even know!
1. Where did lighthouses originate?
Lighthouses were first made necessary as a result of the increased sea traffic and the need for greater safety measures. In 1489, Henry VII passed an act that institutionalized the concept of a lighthouse. The act was known as “The 100 guilder seaward blaze” due to its 100 guilder price tag. It was agreed upon by Dutch sea merchants and built in Franeker, Holland.
2. Who was the first American lighthouse keeper?
Thomas Little served as keeper at Boston’s North End Light from 1716 to 1717.
3. How did the Fresnel lens work?
The Fresnel lens was used as an alternative to lighthouses with fixed reflectors. It was a powerful lighthouse lens that was made up of thousands of pieces of glass. It was invented in 1822 by French engineer Augustin-Jean Fresnel, which translated to English means “shining light”. This type of lighthouse lens captured light using a primary optic and redirected it using a larger secondary optic with an internal prism and an external prism to magnify the candlepower of the beam and make it brighter without increasing the power source. The result was a much more powerful beam that could be seen from much further away!
4. How were lighthouse lamp-posts used?
In 1819, Charles Pickering designed the first lamp post for lighthouses in the U.S. It was a wooden structure that was wrapped with wire to prevent the beam of light from extinguishing the lamp’s wick. This design lasted until 1824, when it was replaced with a more permanent iron structure and an unwavering light that didn’t extinguish during a storm!
5. How many kinds of lighthouses are there?
There are as many kinds of lighthouses as there are types of lights! The Fresnel lens and its various forms have been used over hundreds of years around the world. Although first used in lighthouses, Fresnel lenses are also used in sporting arenas, car headlamps, and even traffic signals. The world is filled with differing types of lighthouses, but these are the most common:
A. The Fog Signal Lighthouse – A class II lamp tower that emits a fog-signal light from the top of the tower. This type of lighthouse has a fixed red light that is activated when fog threatens and causes a red glare to warn mariners away:
B. The Fixed Light Lighthouse – A class I lighthouse that emits a fixed white light from above or on the roof of the structure for as long as it needs to be seen or for emergencies . Fixed lighthouses are usually in remote locations with little access:
C. The Lens Lighthouse – A class I lighthouse that is comprised of a parabolic Fresnel lens that can be used as a fog signal. These lighthouses have a white-red (or red-white) pattern depending on the type of Fresnel lens they use to emit light
D. The Keepers House Lighthouse – A class I lighthouse that is typically a one or two story cottage or cottage-like house built into a cliffside. These structures were originally used as living quarters for the actual keepers, but today they are primarily used as storage and maintenance areas for relics and historical artifacts that are part of the lighthouse history.
6. How are lighthouses maintained and preserved today?
Lighthouses have been used in various cultures throughout time, yet the most famous of them all was built in the 16th century. This was approximately 400 years ago! The oldest standing lighthouse in the U.S., Boston Light, was built in 1716 and still stands today. Since then, thousands of lighthouses have been constructed around the world, but hundreds of these structures have fallen into disrepair and ruin. Many preservation efforts are underway to help keep these historic structures from falling into complete ruin.
7. What is a “lighthouse keeper”?
A lighthouse keeper is the person who lives in the lighthouse with his family and provides services to the structure year-round. The keepers’ duties include maintaining efficiency of the lights, maintaining a ship’s log, and keeping watch over any visitors to the site. The keepers also assist in repairs needed for roofing, siding, and other structural fixes that may be made during seasonal upkeep.
Summary:
A lighthouse was a tower that helped guide ships back to shore and prevent them from hitting the rocky cliffs of coastlines. Lighthouses were also used to warn ships of rough waters and hazardous locations during storms. Today, lighthouses are also used to help maintain water safety for boaters and swimmers alike. The more we learn about lighthouses and their role in today’s society, the more interesting this topic becomes! See why so many people love studying this subject and read on for some fascinating facts about lighthouse science that you probably didn’t even know!
