occulting light

A lighthouse sends an occulting light across the dark sea.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A navigational light with periodic obscuration: "occulting light" refers to a type of maritime beacon, such as a lighthouse or buoy, that emits a steady beam of light which is then briefly and regularly hidden (or "occulted") at intervals. This pattern distinguishes it from a flashing light, where the light itself is turned off; here, the light remains on but is momentarily blocked or obscured.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The harbour entrance is marked by an occulting light that shines for four seconds and then disappears for one second. (A navigational aid with a regular pattern of being visible and hidden.)
  • Sailors rely on occulting lights to identify specific channels at night because the light's behavior is predictable. (The light's periodic obscuration helps with safe navigation.)

Advanced Usage

• "occulting light characteristic": In nautical charts, this phrase describes the specific timing and pattern of the light's obscuration.

  • The chart notes an occulting light characteristic of 5 seconds on, 2 seconds off. (The beacon's pattern is documented for mariners.)

• "occulting light vs. flashing light": A technical distinction in marine signaling where an occulting light has a longer period of illumination than darkness, while a flashing light has a longer period of darkness.

  • The occulting light is often used for lighthouses near coastlines, whereas a flashing light is common for buoys. (Different patterns serve different navigational purposes.)

Variants and Related Words

• Occult (verb): to hide or conceal from view.

  • The moon occults the star during a lunar eclipse. (The star is hidden by the moon.)

• Occultation (noun): the act of hiding or being hidden, especially in astronomy.

  • The occultation of Jupiter by the Moon is a rare event. (Jupiter is concealed by the Moon.)

• Light (noun): a source of illumination, especially in navigation.

  • The light from the lighthouse guides ships to safety. (The beam serves as a visual aid.)

Synonyms

• Obscured light: a light that is periodically blocked from view.
• Eclipsing light: a term sometimes used interchangeably, though "eclipsing" often implies a celestial event.

Related Idioms (Nautical Context)

• "Keep a light on": to maintain a beacon or signal.

  • The crew must keep the occulting light on throughout the night. (The navigational light must remain operational.)

• "Follow the light": to navigate by a beacon.

  • In dense fog, the sailors follow the occulting light to reach the harbour. (They use the light's pattern as a guide.)