Sunset, twilight and dusk
Sunset is the moment the top of the sun drops below the horizon. The sky stays bright for a while after that, and this fading light is called twilight. Dusk is the moment twilight ends. There are three kinds, each a little darker than the last.
- Civil dusk: the sun is 6° below the horizon. There’s still enough light for most things outside, and the brightest stars appear.
- Nautical dusk: the sun is 12° below. The horizon at sea can no longer be seen, and many stars are out.
- Astronomical dusk: the sun is 18° below. The sky is fully dark.
How long after sunset is dusk?
At mid latitudes, civil dusk usually comes 25 to 35 minutes after sunset. Near the equator the sun sets almost straight down, so dusk comes quickly, in about 20 minutes.
Far to the north or south, the sun sets at a low angle and twilight lasts much longer. In summer it can last all night.
Golden hour
Before sunset the sun is low, and its light turns soft and warm. Photographers call this the golden hour. Here, it starts when the sun is 6° above the horizon and ends at sunset.
How the times are worked out
The times come from the position of the sun on the date you choose, using standard astronomical equations. They’re accurate to about a minute. Hills, tall buildings and clouds can make it look darker earlier where you are.
Questions and answers
What time is dusk today?
Pick your city or use your location above. Civil dusk, the usual meaning of dusk, is the large time at the top.
Is dusk before or after sunset?
After. Sunset comes first, then twilight, and dusk is when twilight ends.
What is the difference between dusk and twilight?
Twilight is the stretch of fading light after sunset. Dusk is the moment it ends. Dawn is the same moment in the morning, when the sky starts to get light.
What is civil dusk?
Civil dusk is when the center of the sun is 6° below the horizon. Rules for street lights, flying and boating often use it.
Why is there no dusk on some dates?
Near the poles in summer the sun never sinks far enough below the horizon, so twilight lasts all night. In winter it may not rise at all.