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Digest>Nov/Dec 2012 |
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Photo Caption:
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In 1841, more than two decades before the current Twin Lights were constructed, a different pair of beacons guided mariners safely into New York harbor. That year, a very special package arrived—America’s first Fresnel Lenses. The moment the new lenses went into operation, the science of optics in this country changed forever. Prior to the Fresnel lens, U.S. lighthouses used giant versions of the everyday magnifying glass to amplify their light source. These lenses were incredibly heavy and expensive, and only marginally effective. Augustin Fresnel’s lens bent and moved light in wonderfully new ways. Fast-forward to modern fiber-optic technology and you begin to understand the profound importance of that day more than 170 years ago. This is an artist’s depiction of the power of the Fresnel lens installed at the Twin Lights of Navesink Light Station in Highland’s, New Jersey.
Back to the edition of: Nov/Dec 2012
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Story:
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On Hallowed Ground
Back to the edition of: Nov/Dec 2012
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