![]() ![]() If you have a chance to look inside inside the lighthouse, this past comes alive! The National Park Service has refurbished the interior to its historic 1880s appearance. Today, the Old Point Loma Lighthouse stands watch over San Diego, sentinel to a vanished past. Then, for the first time in over 60 years, the tower was alight again – but this time with an electric lightbulb! It was only for show, not as a navigational aid, but it was still a momentous occasion. In April of 1889, it was briefly converted to a fixed light that alternated red and white flashes every minute.Īfter it shut down in 1891, the light remained dormant until sunset on the lighthouse’s 100 th anniversary - November 15, 1955. ![]() For most of its life, it projected a solid line of light in 360 degrees. ![]() The theoretical maximum visibility was close to 31 miles (50 km), if you were observing from 30 feet (9 meters) above the waterline! The light was fueled by burning Sperm Whale oil. This Lighthouse sported a 3 rd order Fresnel lens that stood 462 feet (141 meters) above the water, at the top of the tower. As such, it was shut down and the keeper was relocated to a new lighthouse located closer to the water. When foggy, it was difficult to see the light at all. Unfortunately, its height was a double-edged sword. Its light guided ships from Novemuntil March 23, 1891. The Old Point Loma Lighthouse rests 422 feet (129 meters) over the entrance to San Diego Bay. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |