What is what time is dusk?

Dusk, also known as twilight, is the period of time after sunset and before the onset of night. It's not a specific time, but rather a transition period defined by the sun's position below the horizon. The duration and intensity of dusk vary depending on several factors:

• Time of year: Dusk is longer in the summer and shorter in the winter due to the sun's path across the sky. Higher latitudes experience longer twilights.

• Latitude: The further from the equator you are, the longer the twilight period. Near the poles, twilight can last for hours, even all night during certain times of the year.

• Weather conditions: Clouds can affect the amount of sunlight scattered, making dusk appear brighter or darker.

Astronomers further divide dusk into three stages:

• Civil twilight: The sun is between 0 and 6 degrees below the horizon. Enough light remains for most outdoor activities without artificial light.

• Nautical twilight: The sun is between 6 and 12 degrees below the horizon. The horizon is still visible, but the illumination is significantly reduced.

• Astronomical twilight: The sun is between 12 and 18 degrees below the horizon. The sun's light is no longer significant enough to affect ground-level observations, marking the true beginning of night.

In practical terms, "dusk" often refers to the period of civil twilight, when it's still relatively light outside but the sun has already set. However, the precise timing of each stage of twilight will vary daily and geographically. You can find precise twilight times for your location using online tools or astronomical calendars.