The Fresnel Lens

During my trip down The Carefree Highway. One special part of the journey was stopping to visit Heceta Head Lighthouse. This 1894 Lighthouse which is still in use today, on the Oregon Coast. The Heceta Head Lighthouse is located 12 north of the town of Florence. Not only is it still in use. But is last of a ancient breed which still has it's original Fresnel Lens.

The Fresnel Lens which was developed by French physicist Augustin-Jean Fresnel. The first Fresnel Lens went into service in 1823. The lens for the Heceda Head Lighthouse was made in England in 1890. Today was only the second time I have seen a Fresnel Lens. The first time was last February while I was visiting The museum of science. Located in London, England.

It was incredible to see that an ingenious device that was made in 1890 is still in service today, in 2010. I learned that all of the lighthouses located on the Oregon Coast. Have there own signature, or light pulse when illuminated. That way the mariners located off of the Oregon Coast could tell when they viewed the lighthouse light. Which lighthouse they were seeing. Then they would learn right away. Their exact position off of the Oregon Coast. Enjoy the pictures I shot today. Of a living piece of history.