Lighthouses Definition

A lighthouse is a tower that emits a powerful beam of light visible over long distances, helping ships navigate and warning them of dangerous coastal hazards such as reefs and sandbanks. They also provide audible signals to warn ships of obstacles during periods of fog when the light cannot be seen.

Aside from their practical purposes, they serve as prominent landmarks along coastlines and create a symbolic symbol of protection for seafarers. In fact, the first lighthouse is thought to have been built by ancient Egyptians around 280 bce.

The term lighthouse usually refers to a fixed, land-based beacon that serves as a primary aid to navigation, but there are also movable devices that function in places where a lighthouse cannot be built, such as a lightship and buoys.

Lighthouses come in many shapes and sizes, but they all share the same two main functions: guiding and warning boats and sailors. They are usually located in hazardous areas, such as on cliffs and rocky shores, making them easy to see from far away. Their distinct appearances and colors help mariners identify them at a glance.

A lighthouse can be tall and conical (like an ice cream cone), octagonal, square, cylindrical or even a cottage style building. Each one is equipped with a powerful lamp that emits a beam of light to illuminate nearby objects. The lights are often combined with audible signals that can be heard from a distance, such as bells and whistles. They can also display different characteristics at varying intervals, such as color, period and phase.