New York, USA
Lat: 40.71°•Lon: -74.01°
SOLAR DOME & SKY TRAJECTORY
-4.1° Elevation
Real-time solar positioning across celestial horizon and zenith dome
First Light (Civil Dawn)11:49 AM
Sunrise12:20 PM
Solar Noon04:59 PM
Sunset09:38 PM
Last Light (Civil Dusk)10:09 PM
True Night (Astro Dusk)11:17 PM
Complete 3-Phase Twilight Calculator
Civil Twilight (0° to -6°)•Nautical Twilight (-6° to -12°)•Astronomical Twilight (-12° to -18°)•Interactive Celestial Horizon Arc
Explore the Three Scientific Stages of Twilight
Twilight occurs when the upper atmosphere scatters sunlight while the sun sits below the apparent horizon. Astronomers divide this into three distinct 6-degree stages: Civil Twilight (general visibility), Nautical Twilight (maritime horizon and stars), and Astronomical Twilight (faint celestial glow).
Whether you are an amateur astronomer planning telescope observations or an outdoor enthusiast tracking evening light, our visual tool charts the sun’s exact angle below the horizon in real time.
How to Use the Twilight Calculator
1
Select your city or enter custom geographic coordinates.
2
Examine the morning and evening timestamps for all three twilight stages.
3
Observe the interactive visual arc showing where the sun currently sits relative to the horizon.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the three types of twilight?
Civil twilight occurs from 0° to -6° solar altitude (general outdoor visibility). Nautical twilight spans -6° to -12° (horizon visible at sea, bright stars emerge). Astronomical twilight spans -12° to -18° (sky dark enough for deep space observation).
When is it completely dark?
Complete astronomical darkness begins when the sun drops below -18° solar altitude, ending astronomical twilight.
Why is twilight longer in summer at high latitudes?
Because the sun sets at a shallower, more oblique angle relative to the horizon, taking much longer to descend through the 18 degrees of twilight.
Ready to Use the Twilight Calculator?
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