Visibility

Visibility is the measure of the distance at which objects or details can be discerned with the unaided eye. In meteorology, it refers to the clarity of the atmosphere and the distance over which objects can be seen. In common usage, visibility can also describe how publicly noticeable or prominent something or someone is.

Measurement and units: Weather observations define visibility as the greatest distance at which a standard object can be identified under prevailing conditions. It is typically reported in kilometers or statute miles. Instruments such as transmissometers and forward-scatter meters quantify visibility, while human observers may estimate visual range.

Factors: Visibility is affected by weather phenomena such as fog, mist, haze, rain, snow, smoke, and dust, as well as air pollution and lighting conditions. Temperature inversions and high humidity can worsen visibility by increasing particle concentration or scattering.

Applications: In aviation, visibility thresholds govern allowable takeoff and landing conditions; in maritime navigation, visibility affects routing; in road transport, it influences warning signs, speed limits, and closures. Poor visibility can lead to delays, cancellations, or safety risks for travelers and operations.

Other sense: Visibility also denotes how detectable or publicly visible something, such as a brand, a person, or an issue, is to the public. Organizations seek to maximize visibility through media, events, and branding, while discussions about visibility often address balance between exposure and intrusion.