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Third Order Beehive Fresnel Lens
Big Bay Point Lighthouse Michigan
Harbour Lights #651
Lighted
RETIRED
Diamonds. When cut perfectly, each facet directs its light through the top of the stone in a brilliant kaleidoscope of color. Not unlike a diamond, the Fresnel lens uses refraction and carefully placed prisms to intensify light.
Invented by the Frenchman Augustin Fresnel, this gem-like optic became the ideal method of illuminating the skies and revolutionizing navigational aids. Rather than burning brighter and brighter flames and risking fires, Monsieur Fresnel invented a way to intensify existing light sources. His very first lens increased a 20-candle power lamp by 500 times.
The Third-order Fresnel lens in Big Bay Point Lighthouse is a superior example of mathematical dimension and extraordinary beauty. With a focal plane of 60 feet, mariners could safely navigate the upper peninsula of Lake Superior. With its magnificent series of concentric glass prisms, the light would reflect back through the central lens
-- a perfect example of a 'catadioptric system.'
Lighted in 1896, the optic at Big Bay Point Lighthouse guided mariners for sixty-five years until its deactivation in 1961. Since its reactivation in 1990, the beacon shines brightly again.
Big Bay Point Light Station is privately owned and serves as a Bed & Breakfast Inn. The U.S. Coast Guard has access to the optic, caring for the priceless artifact. For more information contact the Big Bay Point Lighthouse Bed & Breakfast at: #3 Lighthouse Road, Big Bay, Michigan, 49808 or call: (906) 345-9957 or E-mail:
keepers@BigBayLighthouse.com.
Augustin Fresnel
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HL# |
Name |
MSRP |
Introduced |
Retired |
Edition |
|
HL651 |
Third
Order Beehive |
$84 |
Jan 02 |
May 02 |
5,000 |
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