Pimeduse

Pimedus is the state of minimal or absent visible light. In Estonian, pimedus denotes darkness in general, and pimeduse is the genitive form used to mean “of darkness” or to describe phenomena related to darkness. The concept covers natural night as well as artificial reductions in illumination.

Physically, darkness arises when the level of light reaching the eye is very low. It depends on the Sun’s position, weather, and local lighting conditions. In astronomy, darkness is categorized by the Sun’s angle below the horizon: civil, nautical, and astronomical twilight, with true darkness typically reached when the Sun is more than 18 degrees below the horizon. Perception of darkness also varies with the eyes’ adaptation, between scotopic and photopic vision.

Culturally, darkness shapes daily life, safety, and mood, and it serves as a common motif in literature, folklore, and art. It interacts with biological rhythms, influencing sleep-wake cycles and melatonin production. In urban settings, artificial lighting can obscure natural darkness, affecting both perception and behavior.

Environmental considerations related to darkness include the importance of preserving natural night environments for nocturnal wildlife and ecological processes. Light pollution reduces the duration and quality of darkness, while responsible lighting design aims to minimize waste and protect human and ecological health.