How Swedish optical technology uses the moiré effect to guide ships safely at sea
In short: Discover the Inogon leading mark, a clever 1980s Swedish invention that uses moiré patterns to help mariners navigate. This video explores how these beacons function and why they are currently being used to mark undersea cables.
The Inogon leading mark, or Inogon light, relies on the moiré effect—an optical phenomenon where overlapping patterns create new, distinct visual interference. Developed in Sweden during the 1980s, these beacons provide precise directional guidance.
While originally designed for navigation, their modern application includes marking the location of undersea cables. The technology is so precise that camera footage of the light requires digital stabilization to accurately represent the steady visual experience seen by the human eye.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: The moiré effect lights that guide ships home
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