Why does the Eiffel Tower sparkle every night?

Why Does The Eiffel Tower Sparkle Every Night?

The Eiffel Tower, famed for its architectural wonders, has a less known but equally mesmerizing spectacle that takes place every night. The majestic monument lights up the skyline of Paris with a sparkling display that has captured the hearts of millions of people worldwide. The enchanting spectacle is possible due to a lighting system installed on the Eiffel Tower, which comprises of approximately 20,000 light bulbs that create the twinkling effect. The light show starts from sunset and continues into the late hours, occuring every hour on the hour and lasts for about 5 minutes.

This magical idea of transforming the Eiffel Tower into a sparkling beauty was initially a feature of the Millennium celebration in 1999. The lighting system was initially installed as a temporary installation to give the Eiffel Tower a sparkling appearance for the turn of the millennium. But, due to overwhelmingly positive feedback from the local and international community, the spectacle has been continued ever since.

How Many Light Bulbs Are Used to Light the Eiffel Tower?

The light spectacle is achieved through the use of a complex lighting system. There are roughly 20,000 light bulbs installed on the tower which are responsible for the sparkling effect. Each light bulb is meticulously placed within the steel structure of the tower allowing for the whole tower to be completely lit, producing a mesmerizing sight for spectators.

What Type of Lights are Used on the Eiffel Tower?

Each of the sparkling lights used is a high-power, low-energy incandescent bulb. These bulbs are specifically designed to deliver maximum brightness with minimum energy consumption, contributing to an environmentally friendly solution towards maintaining the twinkling effect of the Eiffel Tower every night. Moreover, the lights are designed to handle different weather conditions, ensuring the continuance of the spectacle regardless of the weather.

Who Controls the Lighting of the Eiffel Tower?

The lighting project installed on the Eiffel Tower is controlled by the Sociéte d’Exploitation de la Tour Eiffel (SETE). This is the organization responsible for the management and maintenance of the Eiffel Tower. They have an entire team dedicated to overseeing the lighting spectacle and ensuring everything runs smoothly each night.

Can the Lights on the Eiffel Tower be Customized?

Yes, the lights on the Eiffel Tower can be customized for special occasions or events. In fact, on various occasions, the Eiffel Tower has been illuminated in different colors to celebrate, raise awareness, or honor different causes or events. However, the default setting for the lights is the golden lighting, accompanied by the sparkling effect.

Does the Eiffel Tower Always Sparkle at the Same Time?

The onset of the sparkling effect is not fixed but depends on the time of year and sunset time. However, once initiated, the sparkling lights blink every hour on the hour and last for about five minutes. The last session occurs at 1 a.m., ending with a special 10-minute display to mark the end of the day.

What is the Energy Consumption of the Eiffel Tower’s Lights?

The lighting extravaganza is designed to be energy-efficient and environmentally friendly. The total power required for the golden illumination is approximately 120 kW, while for the sparkling lights, the consumption is around 9 kW. This illumination amounts to less than 0.1% of the total consumption of the Eiffel Tower, highlighting the efforts towards maintaining an energy-efficient landmark.

Is the Eiffel Tower the Only Monument That Sparkles?

No, although the sparkling Eiffel Tower might be the most famous, it is not the only monument that lights up at night. Many landmarks worldwide have adopted this enchanting feature, adding a touch of magic and creativity to their appeal.

Why Was the Eiffel Tower Lit Up Initially?

The initial idea to light up the Eiffel Tower was for the 1889 Exposition Universelle (World’s Fair) to demonstrate France’s industrial prowess to the world. However, the modern lighting spectacle was introduced as part of the celebration of the new millennium in 1999 and has continued to this day due to its immense popularity.

Are There Any Special Shows Featured on the Eiffel Tower?

Yes, over the years, the Eiffel Tower has hosted numerous light shows for various purposes. From highlighting important societal issues to commemorating historic milestones, these unique light performances have added to the charm and magnificence of this historic monument.