Which visual illusion is associated with a false horizon at night?

The Black Hole Effect is a visual illusion that occurs when a pilot is attempting to land at night in conditions where no visual reference points are available. When there is a lack of lights or visual cues, the pilot may misinterpret the position of the horizon, leading to a false sense of orientation. This can result in the pilot perceiving the aircraft's altitude and approach angle incorrectly, potentially causing them to descend too quickly or with improper angle toward the ground.

In situations where only a dark expanse is viewed, such as an unlit runway in a dark environment, the visual information available does not provide adequate cues for the pilot's brain to accurately interpret the spatial orientation. Hence, they may believe the aircraft is higher than it is and continue to descend into what appears to be a “black hole,” risking a crash landing.

This particular illusion highlights the importance of visual references during night operations and proper use of instruments to maintain safe flight paths. Understanding the Black Hole Effect enables pilots to mitigate its risks by relying on their training and instrumentation rather than solely on visual perception in challenging flight conditions.