The transition from daytime to nighttime occurs gradually as the sun sets. The duration of this change can vary depending on your location and the time of year. Typically, sunset is followed by twilight, which can last anywhere from a few minutes to an hour or more before it becomes fully dark.
In general, twilight is divided into three phases:
- Civil twilight: The sun is just below the horizon, and there is still enough natural light for most outdoor activities. This lasts approximately 30 minutes after sunset.
- Nautical twilight: The sun is 6 to 12 degrees below the horizon, and the horizon is still visible at sea. This can last another 30 minutes.
- Astrological twilight: The sun is 12 to 18 degrees below the horizon, and the sky darkens significantly. This phase can also last around 30 minutes.
In total, the entire transition from sunset to full darkness can take anywhere from 30 minutes to over an hour depending on the geographic location and the time of year.
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