Posted By: buoyhunter_190
Why are a lot of lighthouses white? - 12/25/07 03:31 PM
Any ideas? The question comes from two points of view. The first is being a boater in Milwuakee our breakwater light is white. Even on clear days it's hard to see on the water until you get close to it. The white seems to blend in with downtown Milwaukee.
The second thought comes from white in bad weather blends in. In any type of fog, clouds, or snow the white would blend right in.
This past week we were in Door County. I would guess I was equal distance from both the canal light and the pierhead light. Since the pierhead light was red I could see that one better. It was still hard to see in the fog but it did stand out more than the canal light which is white.
I would think that more lighthouses would be painted other colors than white.
The second thought comes from white in bad weather blends in. In any type of fog, clouds, or snow the white would blend right in.
This past week we were in Door County. I would guess I was equal distance from both the canal light and the pierhead light. Since the pierhead light was red I could see that one better. It was still hard to see in the fog but it did stand out more than the canal light which is white.
I would think that more lighthouses would be painted other colors than white.