The moment when the sun dips below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange, pink, and purple, has captivated humanity throughout history. Sunset marks the transition from day to night, influencing everything from our biological rhythms and cultural traditions to photography and tourism. Understanding when sunset occurs, what influences its timing, and how to best experience it provides insight into this daily astronomical event that connects us to the natural world’s rhythms. This comprehensive guide explores sunset times, the science behind them, and how to make the most of this magical daily occurrence.
What Time is Sunset Today?
For April 20, 2025:
Since sunset times vary significantly based on location, here are approximate sunset times for major cities across different time zones in the United States:
- New York, NY: 7:41 PM EDT
- Chicago, IL: 7:38 PM CDT
- Denver, CO: 7:46 PM MDT
- Los Angeles, CA: 7:30 PM PDT
- Honolulu, HI: 6:53 PM HST
- Anchorage, AK: 9:33 PM AKDT
These times are approximations for April 20, 2025. For the most accurate sunset time for your specific location, it’s recommended to check a local weather service, astronomy app, or website that provides location-specific sunset information.
Factors Affecting Sunset Times
Several factors influence when the sun sets in any given location:
Geographical Location
Latitude
- Locations near the equator (0° latitude) experience relatively consistent sunset times year-round, with approximately 12 hours of daylight daily
- Places at higher latitudes see dramatic seasonal variations in sunset times
- At extreme northern and southern latitudes, the sun may not set at all during summer (midnight sun) or rise at all during winter (polar night)
Longitude
- Your position within a time zone affects the clock time of sunset
- Locations on the eastern edge of a time zone see earlier sunset times than those on the western edge
- This can create differences of up to an hour within a single time zone
Seasonal Patterns
Solstices
- Summer solstice (around June 20-22 in Northern Hemisphere, December 20-22 in Southern Hemisphere): Latest sunset of the year
- Winter solstice (around December 20-22 in Northern Hemisphere, June 20-22 in Southern Hemisphere): Earliest sunset of the year
Equinoxes
- Spring and fall equinoxes (around March 20-22 and September 22-23): Sunset occurs approximately 12 hours after sunrise
- During equinoxes, day and night are nearly equal in length worldwide
Progressive Changes
- Sunset times don’t change uniformly throughout the year
- The rate of change accelerates around the equinoxes and slows near the solstices
- In mid-latitudes, sunset times can shift by 1-3 minutes per day during periods of rapid change
Daylight Saving Time
- In regions that observe Daylight Saving Time (DST), sunset appears to occur an hour later during DST periods
- “Spring forward, fall back” creates sudden one-hour shifts in sunset times
- The actual sunset from a solar perspective doesn’t change, only our clock time
- Some locations (Hawaii, parts of Arizona, and many countries) don’t observe DST
Elevation and Terrain
- Higher elevations see slightly later sunsets due to the expanded horizon
- Mountains, buildings, or other obstructions can cause the sun to disappear from view before the actual sunset time
- Locations in valleys may experience earlier visual sunsets than calculated astronomical sunset
- Each 1.5 miles (2.4 km) of elevation adds approximately one minute to sunset time
Unusual Sunset Phenomena
Beyond standard sunsets, several rare and spectacular optical phenomena can occur under specific conditions:
The Green Flash
The green flash is a rare optical phenomenon that can occur right at the moment of sunset or sunrise:
- What It Is: A brief flash of green light visible for 1-2 seconds just as the upper rim of the sun disappears below (or appears above) the horizon
- Scientific Explanation: Caused by atmospheric refraction separating sunlight into different colors, with the atmosphere acting like a prism
- Viewing Conditions: Most commonly seen over unobstructed horizons like oceans with clear atmosphere; can also be observed from mountain tops or cloud tops
- Historical Significance: First documented scientifically in 1869 by physicist James Prescott Joule; popularized in Jules Verne’s 1882 novel “Le Rayon Vert”
- Cultural References: Featured in various films, literature, and folklore; sometimes considered a sign of good luck
Alpenglow
Alpenglow creates a distinctive reddish glow on mountain peaks around sunset and sunrise:
- What It Is: A phenomenon that makes mountains appear to glow in vibrant pinks and reds during sunset and sunrise periods
- Competing Theories: Scientists debate whether alpenglow is caused by direct sunlight hitting the mountains or indirect light scattered by moisture in the atmosphere
- Etymology: From the German word “Alpenglühen,” meaning “Alps glow”
- Viewing Conditions: Best observed in alpine regions with clean air and some atmospheric moisture
- Photographic Appeal: Highly sought after by landscape photographers for its dramatic effect on mountain scenery
Belt of Venus
This subtle but beautiful phenomenon appears opposite the sunset:
- What It Is: A pinkish band visible in the eastern sky just after sunset or before sunrise
- Scientific Explanation: Earth’s shadow creating a dark blue band near the horizon, with a pink band (the Belt of Venus) appearing just above it
- Viewing Conditions: Best seen on clear days from elevated positions with unobstructed views of the eastern horizon during sunset
- Duration: Typically visible for 10-15 minutes after sunset before fading into night
Light Pillars
Under specific atmospheric conditions, vertical columns of light can appear:
- What It Is: Vertical shafts of light extending upward from the setting sun
- Scientific Explanation: Ice crystals in the atmosphere reflecting sunlight, creating optical illusions of light columns
- Seasonal Pattern: More common in winter or very cold conditions when ice crystals are present in the air
- Visual Characteristics: Can appear in the same colors as the sunset, creating dramatic vertical extensions from the sun
Digital Tools for Sunset Enthusiasts
Technology has transformed how we track, predict, and photograph sunsets:
Specialized Sunset Apps
- The Photographer’s Ephemeris: Maps sunlight direction at specific locations and times
- PhotoPills: Provides augmented reality visualization of sunset positions throughout the year
- SunsetWx: Predicts sunset quality based on atmospheric conditions
- SunCalc: Shows sun movement and sunlight phases during the day at any location
Smart Home Integration
- Automated Systems: Some smart home systems can be programmed to respond to sunset (closing blinds, adjusting lighting)
- Voice Assistants: Can provide sunset times upon request and set reminders for optimal viewing
- Connected Lighting: Automated systems can mimic sunset colors indoors
- Weather Station Integration: Personal weather stations often include sunset alerts and data
Social Sunset Communities
- Sunset Photography Groups: Online communities dedicated to sharing sunset images
- Citizen Science: Projects collecting sunset data to study atmospheric conditions
- Location-Sharing Apps: Services allowing users to identify and share premium sunset viewing locations
- #Sunset Hashtags: Trending sunset images on social platforms help identify locations with spectacular displays
Health and Wellbeing Benefits of Sunset Viewing
Research suggests that sunset viewing offers numerous psychological and physiological benefits:
Mental Health Benefits
- Stress Reduction: Studies show nature exposure, particularly during the “golden hour,” reduces cortisol levels
- Mindfulness Opportunity: Sunset provides a natural moment for presence and contemplation
- Awe Experience: Psychologists classify sunset viewing as an “awe experience” that expands perception and reduces self-focus
- Circadian Regulation: Evening light exposure helps maintain healthy sleep-wake cycles
Social Connections
- Shared Experiences: Sunset viewing creates opportunities for connection with others
- Relationship Enhancement: Couples often report deeper connections when regularly sharing sunset moments
- Community Building: Public sunset viewing locations foster community interactions
- Intergenerational Activity: Accessible to all ages, making it ideal for family bonding
Developing a Sunset Practice
- Daily Ritual: Regular sunset viewing can create beneficial routines and transitions
- Photography Practice: Documenting sunsets improves observation skills and artistic expression
- Seasonal Awareness: Following sunset patterns enhances connection to natural cycles
- Meditation Focus: Many meditation practitioners use sunset as a visualization or practice time
Planning Sunset Activities
Different types of activities pair well with sunset viewing:
Outdoor Recreation
- Sunset Hikes: Timing hikes to conclude at viewpoints during sunset
- Paddling Excursions: Kayaking or paddleboarding during sunset offers unique perspectives
- Cycling Rides: Evening rides planned around sunset timing
- Beach Activities: Transitioning from swimming to sunset watching
Dining Experiences
- Picnics: Preparing meals to coincide with sunset
- Restaurant Selection: Choosing venues with western exposure and sunset views
- Sunset Wine Tastings: Pairing wines with the evolving colors of sunset
- Beach Barbecues: Cooking outdoors as day transitions to evening
Creative Pursuits
- Plein Air Painting: Capturing sunsets through artistic media
- Sunset Journaling: Writing practice inspired by the day’s end
- Musical Performances: Playing or listening to music that complements the sunset mood
- Poetry Readings: Sunset-inspired literary gatherings
Conclusion
The daily spectacle of sunset represents one of nature’s most accessible and inspiring displays. By understanding when sunset occurs, what influences its timing and appearance, and how to maximize the experience, we can more fully appreciate this daily transition from day to night. Whether you’re planning outdoor activities, capturing photographs, observing special phenomena like the green flash or alpenglow, or simply taking a moment to pause and connect with natural rhythms, sunset offers a daily opportunity to witness beauty and mark the passage of time.
In our increasingly digital and indoor lives, intentionally connecting with sunset can provide a valuable anchor to natural cycles and a moment of perspective in busy days. The next time you check “what time is sunset,” consider not just the clock time but how you might fully experience this daily miracle of light, color, and astronomical precision that has inspired humanity throughout history.
