The Light by auntietk
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Description
This is the 4th order Fresnel lens in the tower at the Mukilteo lighthouse.
A stationary light, it blinks on and off and does not rotate. The actual bulb is a single 150 watt halogen light bulb. (There are four bulbs, but there is only one burning at a time. The others are backups in case the main bulb burns out.) The facets and shape of the lens makes it it all possible!
Notice the copper plate on the back of the lens (to the right in this photograph). That's to keep the light from bothering the people in the town all night. It serves the dual purpose of also reflecting more light out across the Sound. The building you see reflected in the copper is the old lightkeeper's house, along with a neighboring apartment building, and a ferry at the dock.
If you look very closely, you'll see a wire along the top of the railing. That's to keep birds from sitting on the railing and leaving little gifts. Ummm ... well ... it DOES keep the seagulls away! LOL!
On certain days during the summer you can visit the lighthouse and climb the 36 stairs to the top of the tower and walk around the outside of the light between the railing and the windows. There are markers inside the tower that tell you what you're looking at. Hat Island is off that-a-way.
Comments (29)
whaleman
I love lighthouse lamps and this is an excellent shot along with good information. The Fresnel lens is very effective as it concentrates the light into a beam that is very narrow vertically. I have one like this on an oil anchor lantern and the small wick light is visible for an incredible distance, which is great for others on the water. But if you were at some height above the water, like sitting on the top of your mast, you would likely see nothing, even if you were only a quarter mile away as they are very directional vertically. My lantern (which I recall to be a 3rd order) if hung in the center of my bedroom throws a circular ring of light around the room about one inch high.
helanker
This is such an interesting and beautiful shot. Love glass reflections and the the starlings :-)
Meisiekind
I am pretty sure you shot this when I was there! Those birdies are giving it away! Fantastic image Tara and the information you gave is great. Another reason for me to return to Seattle - I need to go back to the lighthouse!
lyron
Splendid capture!!
beachzz
I love the colors and reflections you got here--just beautiful!! There's an old lighthouse with a Fresnel lens at the fairgrounds near me but now the Coast Guard is talking about taking it away. They said it's not being properly cared for. I've tried getting fotos of it, but the glass cover is so dirty and scratched and funky, all my shots come out ugly. Guess I have to come up there again--Carin and me both!!
jayfar
Great shot and info Tara.
durleybeachbum
So very interesting! There seem to be lots more Tara-type pics in the reflections!
cfulton
Three of the birds are enjoying the reflections too! Interesting indeed! Clive
PHELINAS
Great capture (eccentric)Very beautiful colors.Bravo Tara!
awjay
birds heaven
bmac62
High wire walkers...:) Like it and it is always fun to read more about these neat places.
moochagoo
Very funny to see those birds :)
alwaysonmymind
One expects to see Tippi Hedren's head come popping out of thin air any moment! A lot of drama and suspense in this shot! ;)
Faemike55
Very cool capture and fascinating information!
debbielove
Love a well made and interesting Lighthouse.. And, this certainly is one.. Really good POV Tara! And little birdies will always find a way... lol Rob
MrsRatbag
Wonderful capture and info; and I do love the added extra of the little birds!
Merrylee
Great capture...I have a piece of glass from a lighthouse...the grandkids like looking threw it...makes things look weird
Ford604
nice
goodoleboy
Oh, at first glance I thought it was strangely shaped watercooler bottle, like from Arrowhead Springs. In any case, cool reflections and refractions.
jocko500
lovely. i see the building on the copper you talking about.
bazza
Nice capture and looks like the bird wire is working great ;-)
anaber
Great capture.Love the glass reflections and the birds.
npauling
A super capture of this light and the birds find it facinating too.
makron
Great capture. Wonderful composition
emmecielle
fantastic capture! :)
RodS
Wonderful shot and great information! I can almost imagine those starlings chatting among themselves as they look in the windw..... "No, I don't know what that thing is, but it's really, really bright at night! Fred looked at it last night, and he's still flying into things..." :-D Delightful, Tara!
tofi
What a fantastic image! So clear and bright, absolutely glowing and radiant! I really like that glass piece... the reflections are so pretty and delicate, and a particularly beautiful combination with those lovely birds on the ledge! A most sensational composition and scene Tara!
hipps13
so bright the light a smile can shine warm hugs, Linda Kaye
aksirp
wow, so interesting- wonderful capture and background and information from waleman is useful too! after all: Beautiful picture Tara!