Staten Island Light facts for kids
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| Location | New York City |
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| Coordinates | 40°34′33.8″N 74°08′28.5″W / 40.576056°N 74.141250°W |
| Year first lit | 1912 |
| Foundation | Grey limestone |
| Construction | Yellow Brick |
| Tower shape | Octagonal |
| Markings / pattern | Natural |
| Height | 90 feet (27 m) |
| Focal height | 231 feet (70 m) |
| Original lens | Second Order Fresnel lens |
| Range | 18 nautical miles (33 km; 21 mi) |
| Characteristic | Fixed White (F W) (lit 24 hours, visible only on range) |
| Admiralty number | J1082 |
| ARLHS number | USA-809 |
| USCG number | 1-34795 |
The Staten Island Range Light is a special kind of lighthouse. It helps ships find their way safely into New York City. This lighthouse is also called the Ambrose Channel Range Light. It works together with another lighthouse, the West Bank Light, to guide ships.
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Guiding Ships with Light
The Staten Island Range Light uses a powerful light to help ships. It has its original Fresnel lens, which is like a giant magnifying glass. This lens makes the light very bright and focused.
How the Light Works
The original lamp used to burn mineral oil. Now, it has a modern 1000-watt electric lamp. If the main lamp ever stops working, a backup lamp turns on automatically. This ensures the light is always shining.
Many lighthouses today use LED lights. However, this lighthouse still uses its older, reliable equipment. It has been guiding ships for a long time.
The Swash Channel Light
Besides the main light, there is a second light at this location. It is called the Swash Channel Rear Light. This light also shines steadily, 24 hours a day.
The Swash Channel is like a smaller road for ships. It connects the main Ambrose Channel to the Sandy Hook Channel. This second light is not inside the main lighthouse lantern room.
Backup Systems and Power
Both the Ambrose Channel Light and the Swash Channel Light have their own backup systems. This means they have extra lights ready to go. Neither light flashes or spins. They are only visible when a ship is in the correct path.
If the power goes out, the Staten Island Range Light can still work. It has special batteries on site to keep it shining.
A Historic Landmark
The Staten Island Range Light is an important part of history. It has been helping ships navigate for over a century.
In 1968, it was named a New York City Landmark. This means it is a special building protected by the city. In 2005, it was also added to the National Register of Historic Places. This is a list of important places across the United States. It continues to be a valuable guide for ships entering the Ambrose Channel in Lower New York Bay.
