Question

How is the duration of twilight influenced by seasons?

Answer 1

The duration of twilight is influenced by the seasons because of the Earth's tilt and its position in orbit around the Sun.

• During the summer, twilight lasts for a longer period because the Sun sets at a shallow angle to the horizon, meaning it takes longer for the Sun to dip 18° below the horizon, leading to a prolonged twilight.
• During the winter, twilight is shorter because the Sun sets at a steeper angle, quickly moving below the horizon and shortening the duration of twilight.

In regions closer to the poles, the duration of twilight can be even more prolonged during summer and very brief in winter due to the Sun's path across the sky.