A few weeks ago on the chat the question, "What is the brightest lighthouse in the world" was asked. Some folks gave answers which may very well be correct. I decided to do a little sleuthing and came up with a claim to "Brightest in US":
http://www.caswellbeach.org/history.html

and the "Brightest in Europe":
http://didi.virtualave.net/portugal/cdsv.html

but when I asked for "Brightest Lighthouse in the World" all I found was a bunch of non lighthouse sites.

Anyone know? Is there a link to back up the answer?

Oak Island is the brightest in the US right now. It houses eight 480 volt high intensity mercury arc bulbs, which push out 1.4 million candle power on a normal basis, but can be increased all the way up to 14 million candle power when visibility drops really low. Coast Guard in the lantern room usually wear protective clothing due to the high heat. Standing in front of the light would scorch your skin off!

Here's one site that also makes the statement of it being the brightest:
http://www.outer-banks.com/lights/oak.cfm

Highland Light generates 4 million candlepower, which also makes it one of the brightest in the US.

You got me on the worlds brightest. 14 million candlepower is hard to top, unless one is running laser lights or something. LOL.


[This message has been edited by Rod Watson (edited 02-24-2000).]

I seem to remember reading somewhere that the Japanese hold the record for the worlds brightest light. Having some troubles with the server today, couldn't get into the correct website to confirm.

Sometimes it is to your benefit if a light isn't too bright when you're boating at night.

Bob