Why do airplanes have big front "headlights"?

I live near a major airport and see commercial planes with huge front headlights shining in the night sky. What could they be good for way up in the sky, though? I get that when they are taking off/landing headlights are necessary. Why not give them lights like a boat, with a green in front and a red in back?

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@kiwifoxtrot
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1•5 days ago
In many general aviation planes, they have a wig-wam setting that alternatively flashes the landing lights during the day.

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