what time does it get dark in nc

Natashya

2 min read

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25-12-2024

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North Carolina's sunset times vary significantly throughout the year due to its location and the Earth's tilt on its axis. Knowing when the sun sets can be crucial for planning outdoor activities, evening commutes, or simply enjoying the beauty of the twilight. This guide will help you understand how and why sunset times change in NC and where to find the most accurate information for your specific location.

Understanding North Carolina's Sunset Variations

The time the sun sets in North Carolina is primarily influenced by two factors:

• Time of Year: During summer (June-August), the days are longer, and the sun sets much later. In winter (December-February), the days are shorter, and the sun sets considerably earlier. This is because of the Earth's tilt and its orbit around the sun.

• Location within NC: North Carolina is a geographically diverse state. Sunset times will differ slightly between the mountains in the west and the coastal plains in the east. The further east you are, the slightly later the sunset will generally be.

How to Find Precise Sunset Times for Your NC Location

Several resources provide accurate, up-to-the-minute sunset times for specific locations in North Carolina:

• Timeanddate.com: This website is a highly reliable source for sunset (and sunrise) information worldwide. Simply enter your North Carolina city or zip code for precise predictions.

• Weather Apps: Most weather apps for smartphones (like AccuWeather, The Weather Channel, etc.) include sunset and sunrise times in their daily forecasts. This is a convenient method for daily checks.

• Online Search Engines: Searching "[your city, NC] sunset time" on Google, Bing, or other search engines usually provides quick results from reputable sources.

Seasonal Sunset Variations in North Carolina

To illustrate the significant change throughout the year, consider these general estimations (these are averages and will vary slightly depending on location):

• Summer Solstice (around June 21st): Sunset could be as late as 8:30 PM or even later in eastern NC.

• Winter Solstice (around December 21st): Sunset might occur as early as 5:00 PM or even earlier in western NC.

• Equinoxes (around March 20th and September 23rd): Sunset times are closer to 7:00 PM - 7:30 PM, roughly equal day and night lengths.

Tips for Planning Around Sunset Times in NC

• Check Daily: Sunset times change daily, especially around the solstices and equinoxes. Don't rely on old information.

• Account for Daylight Saving Time: Remember that Daylight Saving Time shifts sunset times by an hour.

• Consider Twilight: Civil twilight (when it's still relatively bright) extends for a short time after sunset. Nautical and astronomical twilight continue even longer.

• Plan Outdoor Activities: Factor sunset times into your plans for hiking, fishing, or any outdoor recreation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Why does the sunset time vary so much throughout the year?

A: The variation is due to the Earth's tilt on its axis and its orbit around the sun. This changes the angle at which sunlight strikes different parts of the Earth throughout the year.

Q: Is there a significant difference in sunset times between the mountains and the coast of NC?

A: Yes, though subtle. The eastern parts of the state will generally experience slightly later sunsets.

This guide should provide you with a good understanding of how to find accurate sunset information for your location in North Carolina. Remember to always check a reliable source for the most up-to-date information. Enjoy the beautiful North Carolina sunsets!