<P> On December 31 , 1999 , a powerful beam of light was unveiled for the first time . Called the Legacy Light or Skybeam , it is powered by lamps that total 85 million candela shining skyward from the top of the Space Needle to honor national holidays and special occasions in Seattle . The concept of this beam was derived from the official 1962 World 's Fair poster , which depicted such a light source although none was incorporated into the original design . It is somewhat controversial because of the light pollution it creates . Originally planned to be turned on 75 nights per year , it has generally been used fewer than a dozen times per year . It did remain lit for eleven days in a row from September 11 , 2001 , to September 22 , 2001 , in response to the September 11 , 2001 attacks . </P>
<P> On December 31 , 1999 , a powerful beam of light was unveiled for the first time . Called the Legacy Light or Skybeam , it is powered by lamps that total 85 million candela shining skyward from the top of the Space Needle to honor national holidays and special occasions in Seattle . The concept of this beam was derived from the official 1962 World 's Fair poster , which depicted such a light source although none was incorporated into the original design . It is somewhat controversial because of the light pollution it creates . Originally planned to be turned on 75 nights per year , it has generally been used fewer than a dozen times per year . It did remain lit for eleven days in a row from September 11 , 2001 , to September 22 , 2001 , in response to the September 11 , 2001 attacks . </P>
what is on top of the space needle
what is on top of the space needle
Legacy Light or Skybeam
Legacy Light or Skybeam