what time does it get dark in pennsylvania

asalmes

2 min read

·

11-12-2024

171

0

Share

What Time Does it Get Dark in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania's sunset times vary significantly throughout the year and across its diverse geography. Unlike a single, precise answer, determining when it gets dark requires considering several factors. This article will guide you in understanding how to find the sunset time for any location in Pennsylvania, at any time of year.

Understanding Pennsylvania's Sunset Variations

Pennsylvania's size and latitude contribute to varying sunset times. The state stretches from south to north, meaning southern Pennsylvania experiences sunset earlier than northern regions. This difference can be as much as 30 minutes or more during the summer months. Additionally, seasonal changes drastically alter sunset times.

Finding Sunset Times for Specific Pennsylvania Locations

Several methods can help you determine Pennsylvania's sunset time:

1. Online Resources:

• Timeanddate.com: This website is a highly reliable source for precise sunset times. Simply enter your city or town in Pennsylvania, and it will display the sunset time for that specific location on any given date. This is arguably the easiest and most accurate method.

• Weather Websites: Most weather websites, such as AccuWeather or The Weather Channel, include sunset and sunrise times in their forecasts. Just search for your Pennsylvania location.

• Mobile Apps: Numerous weather and time apps for smartphones provide sunset information.

2. Using a Sunrise/Sunset Calculator: Many websites offer dedicated sunrise/sunset calculators. Input your location's latitude and longitude coordinates for highly accurate results. You can typically find your coordinates via online map services like Google Maps.

3. Astronomical Calendars: While less convenient for daily checks, astronomical calendars for the year will typically include sunrise and sunset times for major cities.

Seasonal Impact on Sunset Times

Pennsylvania experiences significant seasonal variations in daylight hours.

• Summer Solstice (around June 21st): Sunsets are latest during this period, with the longest daylight hours. Expect sunsets well after 8:00 PM in many parts of the state.

• Winter Solstice (around December 21st): Sunsets are earliest, with the shortest daylight hours. Expect sunsets as early as 4:30 PM or 5:00 PM in some areas.

• Equinoxes (around March 20th and September 23rd): Daylight and nighttime hours are roughly equal. Sunset times fall somewhere between the extremes of summer and winter.

Example: Finding Sunset in Philadelphia

Let's say you want to know the sunset time in Philadelphia on October 26th. You would simply go to a website like timeanddate.com, enter "Philadelphia, PA," and select October 26th. The website will then display the precise sunset time for that date.

Conclusion: Planning Around Sunset in Pennsylvania

Knowing when the sun sets in Pennsylvania is important for various activities, from outdoor events to photography. By using the resources mentioned above, determining the exact sunset time for your specific location and time of year is straightforward and ensures accurate planning. Remember to account for the variations across the state and throughout the year for the most accurate results.