Machilipatnam Lighthouse
Machilipatnam Lighthouse | |
| Location | Machilipatnam, Andhra Pradesh |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 16°14′48″N 81°14′01″E / 16.24666667°N 81.23361111°E |
| Tower | |
| Height | 50 metres (160 ft) |
| Shape | cylindrical tower with balcony and lantern |
| Markings | black and white bands |
| Light | |
| First lit | 1858 |
| Deactivated | 1930 |
| Focal height | 49 m (161 ft) |
| Light source | 150 Watts Metal Halide Lamps |
| Intensity | 166000 |
| Range | 20 nautical miles (37 km; 23 mi) |
| Characteristic | Fl(3) W 20s |
Machilipatnam Lighthouse was first established in 1858, at Manginapudi Beach, approximately 11 kilometres (6.8 mi) from the town of Machilipatnam, India.
History
The first light at Machilipatnam was commissioned in 1852 at a different location.[1]
The current lighthouse was commissioned in 1984, replacing a smaller structure built in 1930. During the tsunami of 2004 that caused deaths at Machilipatnam, the tsunami waves reached the base of the lighthouse.[2]
Architecture and fittings
The current lighthouse is a 50 metres (160 ft) tall RCC structure situated around 50 metres (160 ft) above MSL painted with alternating black and white bands. It has a geographical range of 16.5 nautical miles and a nautical range of 20 nautical miles. Fitted with a metal halide lamp, the rotation speed of the light beam is three rotations per minute with an effective beam intensity of 166,000 candelas.[3]
Visit and facilities
The lighthouse is open for visitors. It has a powerhouse and staff quarters.[3]
References
- ^ Swaminathan, S (2012). History of Science and Technology in Tamil Nadu Through the Ages. Research Publishing. p. 152. ISBN 978-981-07-1409-3.
- ^ "Machilipatnam Lighthouse". Director General of Lighthouses and Lightships, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Government of India.
- ^ a b "Master Ledger of Machilipatnam Light house" (PDF). Director General of Lighthouses and Lightships, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Government of India.