Name and Location

The Polonskogo Lighthouse is situated on Taraka Sima Island in the Lesser Kuril Islands, a remote archipelago off the coast of Russia. Its coordinates are 43.6186402° N, 146.3563377° E.

Construction and History

The exact construction date of the Polonskogo Lighthouse is unknown, but it was likely built during the Soviet era as part of a broader effort to establish a network of navigation aids in the region. The lighthouse's design follows the traditional cylindrical shape common among Soviet-era lighthouses.

Architecture and Materials

The Polonskogo Lighthouse has a typical cylindrical structure made of concrete, with an open platform supporting the beacon at the top.

Light and Navigation

The lighthouse emits a white light with a flash sequence of 1.5 seconds followed by a period of darkness lasting 4.5 seconds. This characteristic, marked as Fl (3) W 15s, can be seen for approximately 9 nautical miles from its location. The radiobeacon continues to transmit important navigational information to ships in the area.

Accessibility and Visiting

Unfortunately, due to its remote location and restricted access, visitors cannot enter the lighthouse or the surrounding island. However, adventurous travelers may be able to glimpse the lighthouse from a distance while exploring the Kuril Islands.

Notable Views and Landscape

The lighthouse stands on a small island surrounded by the Pacific Ocean. The landscape is characterized by rugged coastlines, rocky shores, and dense forests. Visitors to the area can expect to see an array of marine life, including sea birds, seals, and whales.

Anecdotes and Folklore

No notable anecdotes or folklore about the Polonskogo Lighthouse are available at this time.

Technical and Operational Details

The Polonskogo Lighthouse is operated by the Russian Ministry of Defense. Its current status is operational, serving as a vital aid for mariners navigating the treacherous waters surrounding the Kuril Islands.

Further Information

• * US NGA Pub. 112 (2009-11-12)
• * Nautical charts and navigation guides