
Astronomers may be unable to observe some of the fainter stars and galaxies as the Sun passes this mark.Īstronomical dawn marks the beginning of astronomical twilight, which lasts until nautical dawn.Īpril and May is the best time to view earthshine However, at this point, the twilight is so faint that it is generally indistinguishable from night, especially in areas with light pollution. The Earth's upper atmosphere begins to scatter and reflect the sunlight, illuminating the lower atmosphere.

When the Sun passes the elevation angle of -18 degrees as it ascends towards the horizon before sunrise, a very small portion of its rays begin to permeate the firmament. Precise dawn and sunrise times for your city Astronomical Dawn


Science specifies dawn as a particular moment defined by the solar elevation angle, which is the position of the Sun in relation to the horizon. ©/kavalenkava volha Scientific Definition
