2006.11.18

Pigeon Point Lighthouse

Once a year, they illuminate the 4 ton Fresnel lens at Pigeon Point Lighthouse. The impractical old lens is magic, casting beams in every direction.

1 page / 6 photos

Sunset at Pigeon Point lighthouse, Pigeon Point Lighthouse photo

Sunset at Pigeon Point lighthouse

It was a perfect night for the lighting. The weather along the coast was mild and the sunset was spectacular.

Aero Beam, Pigeon Point Lighthouse photo

Aero Beam

The Fresnel lens is no longer in regular use, having been replaced long ago by a small but reliable rotating light. The light appears off center in this photo since it's located outside the lantern room, bolted on the rail.

Pigeon Point Lighthouse, Pigeon Point Lighthouse photo

Pigeon Point Lighthouse

At 6:00, the modern beacon was extinguished, and the Fresnel lens was illuminated. The lens is 16 feet tall, 6 feet in diameter, and has 1008 prisms.

Spokes of Light, Pigeon Point Lighthouse photo

Spokes of Light

The moving spokes of light created by the Fresnel lens are very beautiful. The lens throws beams in 24 directions, and the entire lens slowly rotates.

Picket Fence, Pigeon Point Lighthouse photo

Picket Fence

Pigeon Point Lighthouse, Pigeon Point Lighthouse photo

Pigeon Point Lighthouse