Ship lighting is standardised and very specific (you can always tell which way a ship is facing by the lights for example). I’m not an expert in visual science

Ship lighting is standardised and very specific (you can always tell which way a ship is facing by the lights for example). I’m not an expert in visual science, but I suspect it is easier to tell _multiple_ ships apart when they have fewer lights. ETA: https://www.marineinsight.com/marine-navigation/understanding-the-importance-of-marine-navigation-lighting/ https://www.marineinsight.com/marine-navigation/understandin...