A sloping cloud formation, an obscured horizon, and a dark scene spread with ground lights and stars can create an illusion known as?

The phenomenon described involves visual cues that can mislead a pilot's perception of the horizon during flight. A sloping cloud formation, combined with an obscured horizon and a landscape of ground lights and stars, can create what is referred to as a false horizon. This false horizon can cause a pilot to misinterpret the aircraft's orientation and attitude, leading to possible disorientation during instrument flight.

False horizons often occur when pilots are unable to see a distinct, straight horizon line, particularly in conditions of low visibility or at night, when lighted terrain can be mistaken for a more stable reference. This situation emphasizes the importance of relying on instruments rather than visual perception when navigating, especially in challenging atmospheric conditions. Understanding this illusion is crucial for maintaining situational awareness and preventing altitude misjudgments during flight.