What type of illusion is caused by the curvature of an aircraft's plexiglass?

The phenomenon described involves how the curvature of an aircraft's plexiglass can lead to misinterpretation of visual information, which is characteristic of a structural illusion. This type of illusion occurs when physical structures interfere with the perception of images, causing the observer to misjudge dimensions or distances.

In the context of aircraft, the curvature of the plexiglass alters the way light enters the cockpit and subsequently distorts the view outside. This distortion can create an optical illusion where objects appear larger, smaller, closer, or further away than they actually are, thus affecting navigation and situational awareness during flight.

Understanding this structural illusion is crucial for pilots and operators of night vision goggles, as it underscores the importance of reliance on instrument readings and maintaining spatial awareness, especially in conditions where visual cues may be misleading.