Author
Home > Nature > What is the Difference Between Dusk and Dawn?

Guilherme Mazui

•3 minutes to read

What is the Difference Between Dusk and Dawn?

🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚

Dusk and dawn refer to different periods of the day, and they are related to the Sun's position in relation to the horizon. Here are the main differences between the two:

  • Dusk: This occurs in the evening hours when the Sun sets over the horizon, and the skies gradually darken. Dusk is marked by the Sun's center being at an exact point below the horizon, and it is divided into three types based on the Sun's distance from the horizon:
  • Civil dusk: Sun's center is 6° below the horizon
  • Nautical dusk: Sun's center is 12° below the horizon
  • Astronomical dusk: Sun's center is 18° below the horizon
  • Dawn: This occurs in the morning when the Sun rises, and it gets light. Dawn is also marked by the Sun's center being at an exact point below the horizon, but it represents the beginning of the day rather than the end.

Twilight is another term often associated with dusk and dawn, but it is different from both. Twilight occurs between the points when the Sun's center is at the exact point below the horizon, and it is the period after sunset or before sunrise when the sky is illuminated by reflected sunlight.

On this page
  • What is the Difference Between Dusk and Dawn?
  • Comparative Table: Dusk vs Dawn

    • Comparative Table: Dusk vs Dawn

    Dusk and dawn are two different times of the day, and here is a table comparing the key differences between them:

    Feature Dusk Dawn
    Definition Dusk refers to the time just before the night starts, when the sun has already set but some light still remains in the sky. Dawn refers to the time just before the sun rises, when the sky remains dark, but the sun is already peeping out of the horizon.
    Time of Day Dusk occurs in the early evening, usually between 6 to 7 PM. Dawn occurs in the early morning, just before sunrise.
    Sky Appearance During dusk, the sky remains bright, but the sun already starts to look orangey or reddish. The sky remains dark during dawn, but the sun is already visible on the horizon.
    Activities Dusk is often a time of rush hour in cities, as people are returning home from work or other daily activities. Dawn is typically a peaceful time, as most people are still asleep.

    Please note that the exact times for dusk and dawn can vary depending on the location and the time of year, as sunrise and sunset times change daily.

    Read more:

    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.