Punta de Melenara Lighthouse facts for kids
| Location | Telde Gran Canaria Canary Islands Spain |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 27°59′30″N 15°22′05″W / 27.99177°N 15.36792°W |
| Year first constructed | 1992 |
| Construction | masonry tower |
| Tower shape | cylindrical tower with double balcony and lantern |
| Markings / pattern | white tower, glass lantern |
| Height | 17 metres (56 ft) |
| Focal height | 33 metres (108 ft) |
| Range | 12 nautical miles (22 km; 14 mi) |
| Characteristic | Fl (2) W 10s. |
| Spain number | ES-12455 |
The Punta de Melenara Lighthouse (also known as Faro de Punta de Melenara or Faro de Taliarte) is an important lighthouse in the Canary Islands. It's located on Gran Canaria, a Spanish island. This lighthouse helps ships and boats navigate safely along the coast. It has been active since 1992.
The lighthouse stands on Melenara Point. This is a rocky area between two beaches, Playa del Hombre and Playa de Melenara. It's close to the town of Taliarte and its port, in the area of Telde. The Punta de Melenara light is on the eastern side of Gran Canaria. It marks the coastline between the La Isleta lighthouse to the north and the Punta de Arinaga lighthouse to the south.
Contents
What is the Punta de Melenara Lighthouse?
The Punta de Melenara Lighthouse started working in 1992. It was built as part of a big plan to add more lights for ships around the Canary Islands. Other lighthouses built around the same time include Punta Lava and Arenas Blancas on La Palma. Morro Jable on Fuerteventura and Punta del Castillete lighthouse on Gran Canaria were also part of this plan.
How the Lighthouse Looks
This lighthouse looks similar to some other lighthouses in the Canary Islands. It has a tall, round tower that is 17 meters (about 56 feet) high. The tower is painted white. At the top, there are two walkways, called galleries. Above these is the lantern room, which has glass walls and a wind vane on top.
How the Light Works
The light inside the lantern uses a special lens. This lens helps to make the light very bright and focused. It has a 1000-watt halogen lamp, which is like a very strong light bulb. The lamp gets its power from electricity. There is also a battery system in case the main power goes out.
The light shines from 33 meters (about 108 feet) above sea level. This means it's high enough to be seen from far away. Ships can spot its light from up to 12 nautical miles (about 22 kilometers or 14 miles) away.
Light Pattern and Colors
The lighthouse has a special light pattern, called a light characteristic. It flashes two times every twelve seconds. The lantern can show both red and white light. The color depends on which direction a ship is traveling.
If sailors are going north, they will see red flashes. If they are going south, they will see white flashes. This helps them know where they are along the coast.
How the Lighthouse is Managed
The lighthouse works mostly by itself, which is called "semi-automatic." However, technicians from the Port Authority of Las Palmas visit it regularly. They check on the equipment and make sure everything is working correctly.
See also
- List of lighthouses in Spain
- List of lighthouses in the Canary Islands
