Lights for the Sea
1Have you ever wondered why a tall tower stands by the sea? Many of these towers are lighthouses. A lighthouse is a building with a very bright light at the top. This article explains what a lighthouse does and who took care of it long ago.
2Lighthouses are often thick, round towers. Many are painted with bold stripes or bright colors, so sailors can spot them in the daytime. At the top is a room made of glass. Inside is a big lamp with a lens that makes the light shine far over the water.
3At night, the light helps ships find their way. It warns sailors about rocks and shallow water that could harm a boat. When fog hides the light, some lighthouses blow a loud horn instead.
4Long ago, a keeper lived at many lighthouses. The keeper cleaned the lens, filled the lamp, and kept the light shining all night. Today, machines run the lights at most lighthouses.