What is Sunset and How is it Measured?

Sunset is the daily disappearance of the sun below the horizon as a result of Earth’s rotation. Measuring the exact time of sunset can be done by directly looking at the sun and noting the time of its disappearance from view. However, this is not a safe method, as staring directly at the sun for even a short period of time can cause permanent eye damage.

The more accurate and safe way of measuring the time of the sunset is to use what’s known as a transit instrument. This is used to establish points in the sky – such as the time of sunset, sunrise and noon – which are used by astronomers, meteorologists, navigators and other scientists.

What Makes Sunsets Beautiful?

Sunset is certainly one of the most beautiful times of the day. This is due to the lowering of the sun in the sky and the resulting brilliant colors and long shadows that appear.

When the sun is low in the sky, the sunlight must pass through more of the Earth’s atmosphere before reaching our eyes. This means that the visible light is scattered more, causing the typical red, orange, pink and purple sunset colors. At higher elevations, the air is thinner and clearer, resulting in a less colorful, but brighter sunset.

The shadows created by the setting sun are also very beautiful. Thanks to laws of perspective, these shadows only appear longer as the sun approaches the horizon. This is caused by the shortening of the size of “objects” in the landscape, such as hills and mountains, due to the angle of incidence.

What is the Scientific Explanation for Sunsets?

The scientific reason for why the sun sets each day has to do with the rotation of the Earth around its axis. As the Earth rotates, the sun is located in the eastern sky at noon and slowly moves to the west and eventually sets below the horizon.

This rotation, combined with the angle of the Earth’s axis relative to the sun, causes the sun to set, rise and move across the sky. This is also why we experience changing seasons throughout the year. When the north pole of the earth is pointing towards the sun, it is summer in the northern hemisphere, while when it is pointing away from the sun, it is winter in the northern hemisphere.

Sunset is a beautiful phenomenon and is enjoyed by people around the world. While its general cause is due to the rotation of the earth and the angle of the sun’s rays, the exact reasons why it appears so breathtaking and colorful remain shrouded in mystery.