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Sunrise vs. Sunset: Know the Difference

Shumaila Saeed
By Shumaila Saeed || Published on January 27, 2024
Sunrise is the moment when the upper limb of the Sun appears on the horizon in the morning, while sunset is when the Sun disappears below the horizon in the evening.
Sunrise vs. Sunset

Key Differences

Sunrise marks the beginning of the day, heralding the first light as the Sun appears over the horizon. Sunset, on the other hand, signifies the end of the day, as the Sun dips below the horizon, often creating vibrant hues in the sky.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 27, 2024
The colors seen during sunrise, often soft and subtle, result from the angle of the Sun and its interaction with the Earth's atmosphere. At sunset, the colors tend to be more vivid and intense, due to dust, pollution, and other particles in the lower atmosphere.
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Shumaila Saeed
Jan 27, 2024
Sunrise is a symbol of new beginnings and hope, often associated with freshness and renewal. Sunset symbolizes closure and rest, frequently seen as a time for reflection and peace.
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Shumaila Saeed
Jan 27, 2024
In terms of photography and art, sunrise offers a gentle, tranquil light, ideal for capturing serene landscapes. Sunset provides dramatic lighting, with its strong, warm tones often preferred for vibrant and dynamic compositions.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 27, 2024
Sunrise occurs in the east, as the Earth rotates towards the Sun. Sunset happens in the west, as the Earth continues its rotation away from the Sun.
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Shumaila Saeed
Jan 27, 2024
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Comparison Chart

Time of Day

Morning
Evening
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Shumaila Saeed
Jan 27, 2024

Symbolism

New beginnings, hope
Closure, rest
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Shumaila Saeed
Jan 27, 2024

Typical Colors

Softer, subtle hues
Vivid, intense hues
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Shumaila Saeed
Jan 27, 2024

Direction

Occurs in the east
Occurs in the west
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Jan 27, 2024

Atmospheric Interaction

Less influenced by pollution
More influenced by atmospheric particles
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Shumaila Saeed
Jan 27, 2024
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Sunrise and Sunset Definitions

Sunrise

The period of twilight before the Sun appears.
The sky lightened during the sunrise.
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Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024

Sunset

The daily disappearance of the Sun below the horizon.
The sunset painted the sky in shades of orange and pink.
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Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024

Sunrise

The time when daylight first begins.
Birds started chirping at sunrise.
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Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024

Sunset

A symbol of ending and reflection.
The day's troubles seemed to fade with the sunset.
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Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024

Sunrise

A symbol of new beginnings and hope.
Each sunrise brought a sense of renewed optimism.
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Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
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Sunset

The transition from day to night.
As the sunset, the city lights began to twinkle.
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Jan 02, 2024

Sunrise

The daily appearance of the Sun above the horizon.
They woke up early to watch the sunrise.
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Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024

Sunset

A phenomenon occurring in the west.
The sunset over the ocean was breathtaking.
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Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024

Sunrise

A phenomenon occurring in the east.
The sunrise illuminated the eastern sky.
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Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024

Sunset

The event or time of the disappearance of the upper circumferential edge of the sun as it sets below the horizon.
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Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024

Sunrise

The event or time of the appearance of the upper circumferential edge of the sun as it rises above the horizon, typically the eastern horizon except for extreme latitudes.
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Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024

Sunset

The sky as the sun sets
A rosy sunset.
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Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024

Sunrise

The sky as the sun rises
Saw a beautiful sunrise.
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Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024

Sunset

A decline or final phase
The sunset of an empire.
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Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024

Sunrise

An outset or emergence
The sunrise of classical art and sculpture.
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Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024

Sunset

(Law) The automatic expiration of a statutory provision on a previously established date, in the absence of reauthorization
The law's sunset was July 1.
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Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024

Sunrise

The time of day when the sun appears above the eastern horizon.
I'll meet you at the docks at sunrise.
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Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024

Sunset

(Law) Providing for an automatic expiration.
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Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024

Sunrise

The change in color of the sky at dawn.
Did you see the beautiful sunrise this morning?
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Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024

Sunset

To expire on a previously established date, as a statutory provision.
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Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024

Sunrise

(figuratively) Any great awakening.
It was the sunrise of her spirit.
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Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024

Sunset

To provide for the expiration of (a program or agency) by means of a sunset provision.
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Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024

Sunrise

The first appearance of the sun above the horizon in the morning; more generally, the time of such appearance, whether in fair or cloudy weather; as, to begin work at sunrise.
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Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024

Sunset

The moment each evening when the sun disappears below the western horizon.
At sunset
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Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024

Sunrise

Hence, the region where the sun rises; the east.
Which were beyond Jordan toward the sunrising.
Full hot and fast the Saxon rides, with rein of travel slack,And, bending o'ev his saddle, leaves the sunrise at his back.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024

Sunset

The changes in color of the sky before and after sunset.
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Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024

Sunrise

The first light of day;
We got up before dawn
They talked until morning
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Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024

Sunset

(figuratively) The final period of the life of a person or thing.
One's sunset years
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Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024

Sunrise

Atmospheric phenomena accompanying the daily appearance of the sun
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Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024

Sunset

(attributively) A set termination date.
The tax increase legislation included a sunset clause requiring renewal to prevent the tax increase from expiring.
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Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024

Sunrise

The daily event of the sun rising above the horizon
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024

Sunset

The region where the sun sets; the west.
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Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024

Sunrise

Of an industry or technology; new and developing;
High-technology sunrise industries
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Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024

Sunset

To phase out.
We’ll be sunsetting version 1.9 of the software shortly after releasing version 2.0 next quarter.
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Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024

Sunset

The descent of the sun below the horizon; also, the time when the sun sets; evening. Also used figuratively.
'T is the sunset of life gives me mystical lore.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024

Sunset

Hence, the region where the sun sets; the west.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024

Sunset

The time in the evening at which the sun begins to fall below the horizon
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024

Sunset

Atmospheric phenomena accompanying the daily disappearance of the sun
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024

Sunset

The daily event of the sun sinking below the horizon
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024

Sunset

Of a declining industry or technology;
Sunset industries
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Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024

Sunset

Providing for termination;
A program with a sunset provision
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Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024

Sunset

The period of twilight after the Sun disappears.
They enjoyed a walk during the sunset.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024

Repeatedly Asked Queries

What is sunrise?

The appearance of the Sun over the horizon in the morning.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 27, 2024

Where does sunrise occur?

In the east.
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Shumaila Saeed
Jan 27, 2024

What colors are typical of sunrise?

Usually softer, pastel colors.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 27, 2024

What colors are typical of sunset?

Often vivid, intense hues.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 27, 2024

What does sunrise symbolize?

New beginnings and hope.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 27, 2024

Is sunrise important in photography?

Yes, for its soft and tranquil light.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 27, 2024

What does sunset symbolize?

Closure and rest.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 27, 2024

What is sunset?

The disappearance of the Sun below the horizon in the evening.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 27, 2024

Where does sunset occur?

In the west.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 27, 2024

Is sunset the end of the day?

Yes, it signifies the day's end.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 27, 2024

Is sunset important in photography?

Yes, for its dramatic and warm tones.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 27, 2024

Does pollution affect sunrise colors?

Less so than sunset.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 27, 2024

Are sunrise and sunset times the same globally?

No, they vary by geographic location.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 27, 2024

Does the duration of sunrise and sunset vary?

Yes, depending on the Earth's tilt and location.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 27, 2024

Is sunrise the start of the day?

Yes, it marks the beginning of a new day.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 27, 2024

Can sunrise vary in time?

Yes, depending on the location and season.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 27, 2024

Can sunset vary in time?

Yes, it changes throughout the year.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 27, 2024

Is sunrise always in the exact east?

Generally, but it can vary slightly.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 27, 2024

Does pollution affect sunset colors?

Yes, it often intensifies the hues.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 27, 2024

Is sunset always in the exact west?

Mostly, but the precise position can change.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 27, 2024

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About Author
Shumaila Saeed
Written by
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.

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