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For those who long for lighter evenings, and just can't wait for the traditional winter solstice thread, here's a reminder that today is the earliest sunset*. Tomorrow the sun will set just that little bit later.
*In north east England - obviously not true everywhere, but every in the UK is within a day or two.
That's weird. I'm sure I recall forum posts from previous years, where it was discussed about sunsets still getting earlier AFTER the shortest day?
Anyway, I'm mildly lifted by this news (not that we can see the sunset, as its always hidden by the grey cloud!)
Other way around #hardtailonly . Starts getting lighter later at night (very slowly!) from tomorrow.
Sunrise still getting later in the morning. That changes around the start of Jan
I know someone is going to correct me, but I think the reason is at least related to the axial tilt of the earth. It's obviously what 'causes' the seasons. but I'm sure i read it's also the discrepancy around the solstice of 'day' and 'night'
https://www.timeanddate.com/astronomy/axial-tilt-obliquity.html
There's something about the earth 'wobbling' on its axis as well, but I'm at least 10 feet -> beyond the end of any actual knowledge here!
Sort of. There's a proper explanation of this on that same site: https://www.timeanddate.com/astronomy/earliest-sunset.html
Our sunset is 15.31 each day from today until next Wednesday, when it's 15.32.
Sunrise is still getting later each day from 08.39 today to 08.44 next Wednesday.
The weather app I use only goes until next wednesday.
Anyway not the earliest sunset here in Angus today, but only by a minute.
Not checked between civic, nautical and astronomic sunsets and rises, which will all be slightly different times.
Finished my last cycle commute of the year earlier this week, so should notice a change by 2nd January. Thank goodness.
Heh, I was walking out of a meeting in a different building to go back to my desk at about the same time this thread started and said to one of my colleagues how effing dark it was! (True story).
As someone recently diagnosed with SAD, this can't come soon enough.
I ride to work later now, but I always remember mornings in early January being so very dark, noticeably more so than on the shortest day in December. One ride a day in darkness is enough, two was just grim.
Sort of. There’s a proper explanation of this on that same site:
Thanks. That was a really interesting read!
It was a stunning sunset tonight (East Midlands), which seemed quite fitting. Was too busy to find somewhere for a decent photo though.
Twas ok on Bamford Edge!
Sorry, a little off topic here...
Am I right in thinking that during the northern hemispheres Summer we are much further from the sun than when it's the southern hemispheres Summer?
That saddens me, oddly!
Am I right in thinking that during the northern hemispheres Summer we are much further from the sun than when it’s the southern hemispheres Summer?
You are correct (although *much* might be pushing it) although the effect is cancelled out by the Northern hemisphere having far greater land mass than the Southern hemisphere.