Captain James Cook Memorial facts for kids
The Captain James Cook Memorial is a special monument in Canberra, Australia's capital city. It was built by the Government of Australia to remember an important event. This event was 200 years after Captain James Cook first saw the eastern coast of Australia. The memorial has two main parts: a tall water jet in the middle of Lake Burley Griffin and a cool globe sculpture. This globe sculpture is at Regatta Point and shows the routes Captain Cook took on his voyages. Queen Elizabeth II officially opened the memorial on April 25, 1970.
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What is the Captain Cook Memorial?
The Captain Cook Memorial helps us remember a famous explorer. It celebrates Captain James Cook's journey to Australia. The memorial is a popular spot for visitors in Canberra. It teaches people about history and geography.
The Powerful Water Jet
The memorial's water jet is very impressive. It shoots water high into the air from Lake Burley Griffin. Two strong pumps make the jet work. These pumps can push 250 litres of water every second. The water leaves the nozzle at a speed of 260 km/h. When both pumps are on, the jet sends about six tons of water into the sky. It can reach an amazing height of 152 metres. If only one pump is used, the jet still goes up to 114 metres. Sometimes, for special events, the jet is lit up with colourful lights. This water jet was inspired by the famous Jet d'Eau in Geneva, Switzerland.
How the Water Jet Works Daily
The water jet usually runs every day. You can see it from 11 am to 2 pm. However, it sometimes has to be turned off. If the wind is too strong, the jet stops automatically. This is because water could land on the nearby Commonwealth Avenue Bridge. This might make driving dangerous for cars. The jet also stops if there is a drought. A drought means the lake's water level gets too low.
The Globe Sculpture
At Regatta Point, there is a unique skeleton globe sculpture. This globe shows the world and the paths Captain Cook sailed. It helps people understand his long and important sea journeys. It's a great way to see how much of the world he explored.
