Autokinetic Illusion

The autokinetic illusion is a visual illusion occurring at night where a stationary point of light in a dark, featureless background appears to move. This occurs because the eye lacks other visual references to anchor the light's position. Pilots may inappropriately alter the aircraft's attitude in an attempt to follow or avoid the falsely moving light.

Key Points

• •Stationary lights appear to move when viewed against a dark, featureless background.
• •The illusion is caused by a lack of background visual references to anchor the eye's perception.
• •The autokinetic illusion is overcome by continuous scanning and cross-checking flight instruments rather than fixating on a single light.

Related Terms