Hi edknuthjr,

Yes, starlight is a term used for a night vision device. Originally it was used to differientiate night vision devices that " magnified ambient light" .....as opposed to night vision devices that emitted infrared and used it for " seeing" in the dark. A big disadvantage to infrared is that because it emits an infrared beam....it can be seen by someone else using a night vision device. Thus possibly revealing your position to the enemy.

Starlight technology has grown from a device which was so large it required a tripod to use.....to hand held (or helmet mounted) devices that actually allow much more precise viewing. Infrared is still used in many thermal imaging devices which allow the viewer to " see heat images" through fog, smoke, etc. Something that you can not do with ambient light magnifiers.

If you really would like detailed information about current mil-spec night vision devices go to the following site:

http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/land/index.html

Once on the page scroll about 1/2 way down and start by clicking on any item which begins with AN/PVS. There are a number of them. The page presents a good resource on U.S. military weapons systems.

Good luck!