Sunrise Sunset Calculator
This sunrise sunset calculator gives the times of sunrise and sunset for any place and date, with day length, solar noon and the three twilight phases. Example: in New York on 21 June 2027 the sun rises at 05:25 and sets at 20:31 – a day of 15 h 6 min.
Source: NOAA Global Monitoring Laboratory – Solar Calculation Details (equations after J. Meeus, Astronomical Algorithms; accuracy about one minute up to ±72° latitude). Updated: .
How it is calculated
Sunrise and sunset are the moments when the upper edge of the sun appears on or disappears below the horizon. They depend on three things: your latitude, your longitude within the time zone and the date. The calculator works them out from the position of the sun with the equations published by NOAA.
How the times are calculated
For the chosen date the sun’s declination and the equation of time are computed. The hour angle at which the sun’s centre stands 0.833° below the horizon follows from cos H = (cos 90.833° − sin φ · sin δ) ÷ (cos φ · cos δ), with latitude φ and declination δ. Solar noon is 12:00 corrected for longitude and the equation of time; sunrise and sunset lie the hour angle before and after it. The 0.833° combine the sun’s radius (16 arc minutes) and average refraction (34 arc minutes).
Worked example
New York (40.713° N, 74.006° W) on 21 June 2027, the summer solstice: sunrise 05:25, solar noon 12:58 with the sun 72.7° high, sunset 20:31. The day lasts 15 h 6 min. Civil twilight begins at 04:52 and ends at 21:04 – roughly half an hour of usable light on either side. London on the same day has 16 h 38 min of daylight (04:43 to 21:22), because it lies further north.
The three twilights
- Civil twilight (sun up to 6° below the horizon): bright enough for most outdoor activities without lamps.
- Nautical twilight (6° to 12°): the horizon at sea is still visible, bright stars appear.
- Astronomical twilight (12° to 18°): the sky is almost dark; below 18° it is fully night.
North of the Arctic Circle and south of the Antarctic Circle the sun does not set in summer and does not rise in winter. The calculator then reports midnight sun or polar night instead of times.
Frequently asked questions
What time is sunrise and sunset today?
Choose your city, or enter coordinates and a time zone, and leave the date empty. The calculator uses today’s date and shows both times, the day length and the next seven days.
How is the length of the day calculated?
It is the time from sunrise to sunset. In New York on 21 June 2027 that is 05:25 to 20:31, or 15 h 6 min.
Why is it still light after sunset?
Because the atmosphere scatters sunlight while the sun is just below the horizon. Civil twilight lasts until the sun is 6° below it – until 21:04 in the New York example.
Why do my times differ by a minute or two from other sources?
Sources round differently and assume slightly different refraction. Hills and buildings on your horizon change the visible sunrise far more than that.
When are the longest and shortest days?
At the solstices: around 20–21 June and 21–22 December. In the northern hemisphere June has the longest day; in the southern hemisphere it is the shortest.
Sources and legal basis
- NOAA Global Monitoring Laboratory – Solar Calculation Details (equations after J. Meeus, Astronomical Algorithms; accuracy about one minute up to ±72° latitude)
- NOAA Global Monitoring Laboratory – Solar Calculator (Vergleichsrechner)
- Wikipedia “Twilight” – civil (6°), nautical (12°) and astronomical (18°) twilight
As of: · Editorial policy
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