What is the best method for looking for other traffic at night?

Looking to the side of the object and scanning slowly is the best method for identifying other traffic at night due to several reasons related to visual perception. When a pilot looks directly at an object, such as another aircraft, it often results in a phenomenon known as "rods" or "night blindness" because the human eye is less sensitive to the range of colors and details in low-light situations.

By scanning to the side of the object, the pilot utilizes peripheral vision, which is more sensitive in low-light environments. This method allows for better detection of the contrast and movement of objects against the backdrop of the night sky. Additionally, a slow, methodical scanning motion increases the likelihood of spotting faint lights or changes in patterns that indicate the presence of other aircraft.

Using landing lights continuously may improve visibility but can lead to temporary blinding or reduced ability to see other lights in the environment. Flying at a higher altitude can enhance overall visibility but has limited effectiveness if the pilot is unable to identify other traffic due to poor scanning techniques. Thus, the recommendation to look to the side and scan slowly is grounded in maximizing the effectiveness of human vision in low-light conditions.