Sunrise

A New Day

The forecast called for a beautiful day. I got up early and stopped at Marshall Park before heading into work. There is nothing more peaceful than watching the sunrise. I had recently purchased my first digital camera and wanted to test it out. 

The sun does not rotate. The Earth does. So, the question is: What is a sunrise? When is a sun rise? Why does the sky turn colors? 

As I stood and waited in the dark, I took in the splendor of how the sky lightens before the sun rises over the horizon. So, when is the true sunrise? I have seen it peek over the horizon and rise high in the sky many times. It's a sight for sore eyes!

"Sunrise and sunset conventionally refer to the times when the upper edge of the disk of the Sun is on the horizon, considered unobstructed relative to the location of interest. Atmospheric conditions are assumed to be average, and the location is in a level region on the Earth's surface." (1)

As we rotate, we are facing the sun at different angles. In the early morning, we have the sunrise and in the evening we have the sunset. The only two days of the year when the sunrise is exactly east and the sunset is exactly west is during the equinox. 

The sky's colors change as light is scattered. This is from particles in the air. As the sun's rays go through the particles. the sky appears to change color. 

So, watching the sunrise is very special. The sun is calming and therapeutic. It fills us with hope. It's a great way to start the day.

Each of the above prints are available for purchase.

Thank you for visiting! 

Judy

Reference:

1. http://curious.astro.cornell.edu/about-us/161-our-solar-system/the-earth/day-night-cycle/185-how-is-the-time-of-sunrise-calculated-intermediate

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sunrise

https://journeynorth.org/tm/mclass/SunriseSetAns.html

https://www.skyandtelescope.com/astronomy-resources/sunrise-moonrise-east/