What is the purpose of aerial obstruction lighting?

The primary purpose of aerial obstruction lighting is to alert aircraft to potential hazards in the airspace, specifically structures that may pose a risk during flight. This form of lighting is designed to enhance the visibility of tall structures, such as bridges, towers, and buildings, especially during nighttime or low-visibility conditions. By providing a clear signal to pilots, aerial obstruction lighting helps prevent collisions, ensuring greater safety in air travel.

In addition, effective aerial obstruction lighting adheres to specific regulations and standards that dictate how and when these lights should be used, ensuring they are prominent enough to be seen from a distance and that they operate in a way that doesn’t create distractions or hazards to pilots. Hence, choices that imply the lighting's purpose involves illumination for aesthetic reasons, navigational guidance on water, or signaling weather changes do not accurately reflect the intended function of aerial obstruction lighting.