Which term describes the perception of light and motion outside of the central visual field?

The term that describes the perception of light and motion outside of the central visual field is peripheral vision. This capability allows individuals to observe their surroundings without having to look directly at objects. Peripheral vision plays a critical role in activities such as driving, where the ability to notice movement or objects that are not in the direct line of sight can help in avoiding potential hazards.

Central vision, on the other hand, refers specifically to the area directly in front of you and is responsible for detailed tasks such as reading or recognizing faces. Night vision pertains to the ability to see in low-light conditions, but it is not specifically tied to the concept of seeing outside the central area. Depth perception relates to the ability to judge distances and see the world in three dimensions, which is also not directly about the perception of motion in the outer field of vision. Thus, peripheral vision is the most accurate term for what is being described in the question.