Triton Light
The Triton Light is a navigational beacon on the seawall of the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, where the Severn River meets Spa Creek and the Annapolis harbor. It was donated to the Academy and named for the Greek god by the Class of 1945. It is not only an important part of the culture and traditions of the Naval Academy, but also is a trusted navigational point in Annapolis Harbor (e.g., 33 CFR 110.159).
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| Location | US Naval Academy, Annapolis, Maryland |
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| Coordinates | 38°58′54″N 76°28′36″W |
| Year first constructed | 1959 |
| Year first lit | 1959 |
| Tower height | 25 feet (7.6 m) |
| Focal height | 7.5 metre  |
| Characteristic | Fl (4+5) G 30s 0.3s fl 1.3s ec. 0.3s fl 1.3s ec. 0.3s fl 1.3s ec. 0.3s fl 3.4s ec. 0.3s fl 1.3s ec. 0.3s fl 1.3s ec. 0.3s fl 1.3s ec. 0.3s fl 1.3s ec. 0.3s fl 14.8s ec. |
About a year after the light was installed, USS Triton (SSRN-586) completed her historic submerged circumnavigation. Considering the coincidence of names, the crew of Triton provided samples of water from the 22 seas through which their boat had passed, which were used to fill a globe built into the light.
The characteristics of this light are FL (4+5) G 30s, that is Flashing Green light 4x, then 5x, every 30 seconds. The characteristics of the odd number sequence is unique, an honor to commemorate the Class of 1945.
The seawall on the Severn River from Triton Light north-west to the end of Simms Rd at College Creek is exactly 1/2 nautical mile, thus it is frequently used to calibrate speed instruments on boats.
Notes
References
- Timothy Harrison (May 2002). "Keepers Korner; Tid-bits from the Tower". Lighthouse Digest. Retrieved 2006-07-31.
- Beach, Edward L. (1962). Around the World Submerged: The Voyage of the Triton (First ed.). New York / Chicago / San Francisco: Holt, Rinehart and Winston. pp. 206–207. LCCN 62018406.
...without realizing, apparently, that their light and our ship have something very much in common.
- Light List, Volume II, Atlantic Coast, Shrewsbury River, New Jersey to Little River, South Carolina (PDF). Light List. United States Coast Guard. 2006. p. 185., ID 19780, corrected through: Fifth Coast Guard District Local Notice to Mariners No. 16/06
External links
- Pictures of the Triton Light
- Rowlett, Russ (April 16, 2009). "Lighthouses of the United States: Maryland". The Lighthouse Directory. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Retrieved 2010-03-13.
- "Triton Light: Severn River Proper—Speed Limits; Prohibited Zone". Office of the Secretary of State. State of Maryland. Retrieved 2010-03-13.
- "Triton Light". The Historical Marker Database. April 29, 2008. Retrieved 2010-05-28.
