Saberscoping

Saberscoping is a marine navigation technique that predicts the distance to a landmass or obstacle beyond the horizon by analyzing light reflections and atmospheric conditions. It involves observing the subtle visual cues—such as the bending or shimmer of distant objects—that indicate whether an object is submerged, land is just out of sight, or an obstacle lies ahead. This method helps mariners make informed decisions for safe navigation, especially in low-visibility conditions, by interpreting these subtle visual signals related to how light interacts with the environment and atmospheric layering.