What phenomenon occurs when a pilot perceives a single light as being in motion when it is, in fact, stationary?

Autokinesis occurs when a stationary light source appears to move to an observer, typically in night conditions or low visibility. This phenomenon is often experienced by pilots when they are focusing on a single light point, particularly in the dark or in conditions where there are few visual references. Over time, the brain's interpretation of the visual information can lead to a misperception that the light is moving, which can create confusion or misdirection, especially in critical situations like flying where precise navigation is vital.

In the context of aviation and night vision, understanding autokinesis is crucial, as it can impact a pilot's situational awareness and ability to maintain control of the aircraft. Recognizing that a light is stationary can help mitigate this illusion and improve performance.

Other terms related to vision and perception do not correctly identify this specific phenomenon. Fascination/Fixation refers to an inability to disengage from a target, potentially causing distraction. Crater Illusion pertains to the perception of depth or elevation changes, often misinterpreted in landing scenarios, while motion parallax is a depth cue that gives the impression of movement based on the observer's viewpoint, rather than a perception of a stationary object moving.