Night Phases Timeline for Saturday, December 21, 2024
Welcome to the stargazer's guide for Sherwood Observatory! This timeline highlights the key phases of light and darkness throughout the night, from sunset to sunrise, helping you plan the perfect time to enjoy the night sky.
If weather conditions allow, tonight's optimal stargazing period begins with Nightfall at 18:01, and lasts approximately 12 hours, 4 minutes until dawn begins to break. Each phase marks a unique transition, guiding you through the night for an unforgettable experience under the stars.
Golden Hour Start
Time: 14:34
Golden Hour Start: Ideal for capturing soft, warm light just before sunset. Best for landscape and portrait photography.
Sunset
Time: 15:44
Sunset: The sun fully disappears below the horizon, marking the beginning of dusk. Colors in the sky are often vivid at this time.
Blue Hour Start
Time: 16:34
Blue Hour Start: A deep blue sky after sunset, great for contrasting lights and shadows, especially in photography.
Civil Twilight Start
Time: 16:34
Civil Twilight Start: The sun is 6° below the horizon; some light is visible, often used as a cue for street lighting to activate.
Nautical Twilight Start
Time: 17:19
Nautical Twilight Start: The sun is 12° below the horizon, the horizon line begins to fade. Useful for navigation by stars.
Astronomical Twilight Start
Time: 18:01
Astronomical Twilight Start: The sun is 18° below the horizon; the sky becomes very dark, ideal for stargazing and astrophotography.
Nightfall
Time: 18:01
Nightfall: The sky reaches complete darkness, with no light interference from the sun, providing optimal conditions for stargazing.
Solar Midnight
Time: 12:00
Solar Midnight: The sun is farthest below the horizon, marking the middle of the night. This is the darkest point of the night.
Astronomical Twilight End
Time: 06:05
Astronomical Twilight End: The sky begins to brighten, though stars remain visible; signals the approach of dawn.
Nautical Twilight End
Time: 06:47
Nautical Twilight End: The horizon becomes visible as the sky lightens, useful for pre-dawn navigation.
Civil Twilight End
Time: 07:32
Civil Twilight End: Bright enough for most outdoor activities without artificial light, leading into full daylight.
Blue Hour End
Time: 07:32
Blue Hour End: The soft blue light in the sky transitions fully to daylight, ending this atmospheric phase.
Golden Hour End
Time: 09:32
Golden Hour End: The last period of warm morning light, great for photography as it transitions to midday light.
Sunrise
Time: 08:22
Sunrise: The sun appears above the horizon, signaling the start of the day. A gradual light intensifies with each minute.
