In the past, before the advent of artificial lighting, people relied on various methods to see in ships at night. Here are a few techniques commonly used:
Natural Light Sources: Moonlight and starlight provided some illumination during the night. The brightness of the moon, especially during a full moon, could provide enough light to see basic shapes and objects on a ship. Clear skies with numerous stars could also contribute to a certain level of visibility.
Navigation Instruments: Navigational tools such as astrolabes, sextants, and compasses were used to determine the ship's position and direction, allowing sailors to navigate with some accuracy even in low light conditions.
Lookouts: Ships would often have individuals assigned as lookouts to scan the surroundings for any potential hazards, such as other vessels, landmasses, or obstacles. Lookouts relied on their keen eyesight and experience to detect objects or changes in the environment.
Bioluminescence: Some marine organisms, such as certain types of algae and plankton, can produce bioluminescent light. These organisms emit a soft glow when disturbed, potentially providing some visibility in the water or along the ship's wake.
Signal Fires: Ships could use controlled fires or torches to create light signals for communication purposes or to alert nearby vessels. These fires were carefully managed to avoid causing hazards or unwanted accidents.
It's important to note that navigating and conducting activities on ships at night without artificial light was challenging and often limited. The lack of illumination restricted the range and clarity of vision, making navigation and other tasks more difficult. The introduction of artificial lighting, such as oil lamps and later electric lights, significantly improved visibility and safety on ships during nighttime operations.