Dämmerungsphasen

Dämmerungsphasen, also known as twilight phases, refer to the periods of natural light that occur in the sky before sunrise and after sunset. These phases are characterized by indirect sunlight illuminating the atmosphere. The duration and intensity of twilight are influenced by factors such as latitude, season, and atmospheric conditions.

There are generally three recognized phases of twilight: civil twilight, nautical twilight, and astronomical twilight. Civil twilight is the brightest phase, occurring when the sun is between the horizon and six degrees below it. During this time, artificial illumination is typically not needed for outdoor activities. Nautical twilight follows, with the sun six to twelve degrees below the horizon. In this phase, the horizon is still faintly visible, and mariners could historically navigate using the stars and the horizon. Astronomical twilight is the darkest phase, extending from twelve to eighteen degrees below the horizon. At this point, the sky is almost completely dark, and astronomical observations can be made without significant interference from scattered sunlight. Beyond eighteen degrees, it is considered night.

These Dämmerungsphasen are important for various reasons, including their impact on wildlife behavior, human activities, and astronomical observations. Many nocturnal and crepuscular animals are most active during these transitional periods. The changing light levels also affect human perception and can influence activities like driving and aviation. Astronomers specifically utilize the darkest periods of astronomical twilight for their research, as even faint celestial objects can be obscured by the lingering sunlight during the earlier phases.