Dawn
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Dawn is the period of time immediately preceding sunrise. It is recognized by the presence of weak sunlight, despite the fact that the sun itself is still below the horizon. There are a number of more technical definitions of dawn, including the following:
- Civil dawn is the time at which the sun is 6 degrees below the horizon in the morning. Civil dawn is defined as that time at which there is enough light for objects to be distinguishable and that outdoor activities can commence.
- Nautical dawn is the time at which the sun is 12 degrees below the horizon in the morning. Nautical dawn is defined as that time at which there is just enough sunlight for objects to be distinguishable.
- Astronomical dawn is the time at which the sun is 18 degrees below the horizon in the morning. Astronomical dawn is that point in time at which the sun starts lightening the sky. Prior to this time, the sky is completely dark.
Dawn should not be confused with sunrise, which is the moment when the leading edge of the sun itself appears above the horizon.
[edit] Dawn changes with location
The length of time that dawn lasts varies greatly with the observer's latitude. In equatorial regions, dawn may last only a few seconds; in polar regions, dawn can literally last an hour or longer.
[edit] Folklore
In Western folkloristic tradition it is believed that evil spirits, demons, vampires, trolls, and even Satan are obliged to disappear at dawn, for, being creatures of darkness, they hate light, especially that of the sun. Pre-Christian Celts also shared this belief.
Traditionally dawn is the point at which a white thread can be distinguished from a black thread.[citation needed]
[edit] See also
As well as:
