What term describes the illusion of "self-motion" when staring at a single light source against a dark background?

The term that describes the illusion of "self-motion" when staring at a single light source against a dark background is autokinesis. This phenomenon occurs when an individual fixates on a small, bright point of light in a dark environment, which can create the perception that the light is moving, even if it remains stationary. This effect is enhanced under low-light conditions where there are minimal visual references, leading to the brain misinterpreting the static nature of the light due to a lack of surrounding cues. Autokinesis can have significant implications in aviation and other fields where visual perception is critical, as it may lead to errors in judgment regarding orientation and movement.