artificial horizon
An "artificial horizon" is a crucial instrument in aviation and navigation, providing orientation information when the natural horizon is not visible.
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Definition
B2Aviation
(technical)An instrument that displays the aircraft's orientation relative to the Earth's horizon, showing pitch and roll.
Example
- The pilot relied on the artificial horizon to maintain the correct attitude during the flight.
- In low visibility conditions, the artificial horizon is essential for safe navigation.
C1Celestial Navigation
(technical, historical)A device used to measure the altitude of celestial bodies when the natural horizon is obscured, often using a reflective surface like mercury.
Example
- Navigators used an artificial horizon to determine their position when the sea horizon was not visible.