An artificial horizon is a device used in aviation and navigation to indicate the orientation of an aircraft or vessel relative to the Earth's horizon. It helps pilots and navigators maintain level flight or course, especially in conditions where the natural horizon is not visible, such as in clouds or at night. The most common type of artificial horizon is the gyroscopic horizon, which uses a spinning gyroscope to maintain a stable reference point. This technology is crucial for instruments like the attitude indicator, which displays the aircraft's pitch and roll, ensuring safe and accurate navigation.