Difference between revisions of "Autokinesis" - New World Encyclopedia
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| + | Sometimes called "autokinetic effect", '''autokinesis''' is a visual [[illusion]] where a light can appear to move when stared at in the dark. It occurs most often on dark nights in areas with few visual cues (such as lights or other illuminated objects or landmarks). | ||
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| + | When a small, dim, and fixed light source remains within visual range for an extended period of time, this phenomenon can occur, making it appear as if the light source were moving. Air Force Research Laboratory scientists claim that, after fixating on a dim light for six to twelve seconds, the light may appear to move up to twenty degrees per second in one or more directions.<ref>Farrar, Brian, 'http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0JCA/is_9_13/ai_n13807518 "Night flying hazards of spatial D"] Combat Edge. February 2005. Retrieved August 31, 2007.</ref> This visual illusion can be of particular danger to pilots at night. In addition, it is possible that this illusion may account for some supposed [[Unidentified flying object|UFO]] sightings in which witnesses may see an isolated light, such as a bright star or planet, that appears to move erratically. (see [[Identified flying object#Some misperceptions|Identified flying object]]) | ||
=== Autokinesis and Countermeasures for Pilots === | === Autokinesis and Countermeasures for Pilots === | ||
| − | A stationary light stared at for 6 to 12 [[second]]s in the dark will appear to move. This phenomenon can cause considerable confusion for [[aviator|pilots]], | + | A stationary light stared at for 6 to 12 [[second]]s in the dark will appear to move. This phenomenon can cause considerable confusion for [[aviator|pilots]], who can mistake the apparant motion of the light for nonexistent movement in their own aircraft. Before pilots were made aware of the phenomenon, autokinesis was responsible for numerous aircraft disasters.<ref>[http://www.studentpilot.com/articles/medical_articles/article.php?medical_id=23 "Chapter 12 - Night Flight"] Studentpilot.com. Retrieved August 21, 2007.</ref> |
| − | To prevent, or overcome this phenomenon, | + | To prevent, or overcome this phenomenon, pilots are often advised to: |
*Shift their gaze frequently to avoid prolonged fixation on light sources. | *Shift their gaze frequently to avoid prolonged fixation on light sources. | ||
*Attempt to view a target with a reference to stationary structures or landmarks. | *Attempt to view a target with a reference to stationary structures or landmarks. | ||
*Make eye, head, and body movements to eliminate the illusion. | *Make eye, head, and body movements to eliminate the illusion. | ||
| − | *Monitor | + | *Monitor and depend upon [[flight instruments]] to prevent or resolve any perceptual conflict. |
| − | == | + | ==Notes== |
| − | + | <references/> | |
== References == | == References == | ||
*U.S. Air Force (2000). Flying Operations, Instrument Flight Procedures. Air Force Manual 11-217. Volume 1, 29 December 2000. | *U.S. Air Force (2000). Flying Operations, Instrument Flight Procedures. Air Force Manual 11-217. Volume 1, 29 December 2000. | ||
*Fundamentals of Aerospace Medicine, second edition, by Roy L. DeHart. Port City Press, 1996. | *Fundamentals of Aerospace Medicine, second edition, by Roy L. DeHart. Port City Press, 1996. | ||
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Revision as of 18:13, 4 September 2007
Sometimes called "autokinetic effect", autokinesis is a visual illusion where a light can appear to move when stared at in the dark. It occurs most often on dark nights in areas with few visual cues (such as lights or other illuminated objects or landmarks).
When a small, dim, and fixed light source remains within visual range for an extended period of time, this phenomenon can occur, making it appear as if the light source were moving. Air Force Research Laboratory scientists claim that, after fixating on a dim light for six to twelve seconds, the light may appear to move up to twenty degrees per second in one or more directions.[1] This visual illusion can be of particular danger to pilots at night. In addition, it is possible that this illusion may account for some supposed UFO sightings in which witnesses may see an isolated light, such as a bright star or planet, that appears to move erratically. (see Identified flying object)
Autokinesis and Countermeasures for Pilots
A stationary light stared at for 6 to 12 seconds in the dark will appear to move. This phenomenon can cause considerable confusion for pilots, who can mistake the apparant motion of the light for nonexistent movement in their own aircraft. Before pilots were made aware of the phenomenon, autokinesis was responsible for numerous aircraft disasters.[2]
To prevent, or overcome this phenomenon, pilots are often advised to:
- Shift their gaze frequently to avoid prolonged fixation on light sources.
- Attempt to view a target with a reference to stationary structures or landmarks.
- Make eye, head, and body movements to eliminate the illusion.
- Monitor and depend upon flight instruments to prevent or resolve any perceptual conflict.
Notes
- ↑ Farrar, Brian, 'http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0JCA/is_9_13/ai_n13807518 "Night flying hazards of spatial D"] Combat Edge. February 2005. Retrieved August 31, 2007.
- ↑ "Chapter 12 - Night Flight" Studentpilot.com. Retrieved August 21, 2007.
ReferencesISBN links support NWE through referral fees
- U.S. Air Force (2000). Flying Operations, Instrument Flight Procedures. Air Force Manual 11-217. Volume 1, 29 December 2000.
- Fundamentals of Aerospace Medicine, second edition, by Roy L. DeHart. Port City Press, 1996.
