Sunrise and Sunset
Sunrise and
sunset are part of everyday life, yet they’re easy to overlook. They happen quietly, without asking anything of us, and still manage to shape how our days begin and end.
At the simplest level, sunrise and sunset happen because the Earth is rotating. As our part of the planet turns toward the sun, we experience sunrise. As
it turns away, we experience sunset. The sun itself isn’t moving across the sky. We are. Even when everything feels still, we’re always in motion.
The colors we associate with sunrise and sunset come from the way sunlight passes through the atmosphere. When the sun is low on the horizon, its light travels through more
air. Blues scatter away, while reds, oranges, and pinks remain. That’s why these moments often feel warm and glowing.
Where you live also affects how sunrise and sunset look and feel. Near the equator, day and night stay fairly consistent all year. Farther north or south, the sun’s angle changes with the seasons. In
winter, the sun rises later and sets earlier. In summer, the days stretch longer. Coastal areas often have dramatic skies because of moisture in the air, while higher elevations allow for wider views of the horizon.
Sunrise and sunset also affect us physically. Morning light helps signal the body to wake up and feel
alert. Evening light cues the body to slow down and prepare for rest. Even brief exposure to natural light at these times can influence energy, mood, and sleep.
But beyond the science, sunrise and sunset serve another purpose. They are natural punctuation marks in the day. They signal beginnings and endings without
requiring effort or intention. They remind us that time is moving, whether we’re rushing through it or paying attention.
No matter what kind of day we’re having, busy, heavy, calm, or uncertain, the sun still rises and sets.
There’s comfort in that rhythm.
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