What is a Sunrise Sunset Calculator?
A sunrise sunset calculator provides precise sun timing data for any location and date worldwide. Calculate sunrise time, sunset time, golden hour windows, blue hour periods, and twilight phases to plan outdoor photography sessions, schedule activities, or simply know when the sun rises and sets. This sun position calculator uses astronomical algorithms to deliver accurate solar data including solar noon, day length, and optimal photography lighting times.
How to Calculate Sunrise and Sunset Times
Enter your location coordinates or click on the interactive map to select any spot on Earth. Choose your desired date or use today's date for immediate sunrise sunset times. Click "Calculate Times" to instantly see sunrise, sunset, golden hour, blue hour, and all twilight periods. The visual timeline shows sun position throughout the day, helping you plan exactly when to shoot. Download results or bookmark specific locations for regular photography planning.
Golden Hour vs Blue Hour - Photography Lighting Guide
Golden hour occurs twice daily - the hour after sunrise and before sunset - offering warm, soft, directional light ideal for portraits, landscapes, and outdoor photography. Blue hour happens during civil twilight when the sun is below the horizon, creating deep blue skies perfect for cityscapes and architectural shots. Morning golden hour provides cooler tones while evening golden hour gives warmer hues. Use this calculator to find exact golden hour start and end times, ensuring you never miss optimal lighting conditions for photography.
When to Use Sun Time Calculations
Photographers use sunrise sunset calculators to plan landscape shoots, wedding photography, real estate listings, and portrait sessions during optimal lighting. Outdoor enthusiasts calculate sun times for hiking trips, beach visits, fishing expeditions, and camping adventures. Gardeners track sun position for planting schedules. Event planners use sunset times for outdoor ceremonies and receptions. Calculate solar noon for sun angle studies, day length for seasonal planning, and twilight times for astrophotography sessions and night sky observations.
Understanding Civil, Nautical, and Astronomical Twilight
Civil twilight provides enough light for outdoor activities without artificial lighting - best for landscape photography with detail and color. Nautical twilight occurs when the horizon becomes difficult to see, creating dramatic silhouettes and moody photography. Astronomical twilight marks the darkest sky before complete night, ideal for astrophotography, stargazing, and capturing the Milky Way. Each twilight phase offers unique creative opportunities for photographers. Use this calculator to find exact twilight times and plan specialized photography sessions.