Dawn is the period of time immediately preceding sunrise. It is recognized by the presence of weak sunlight, while the sun itself is still below the horizon. There are a number of more technical definitions of dawn, including the following:
- Astronomical dawn is the moment after which the sky is no longer completely dark, formally defined as the time at which the sun is 18 degrees below the horizon in the morning. [1]
- Nautical dawn that time at which there is just enough sunlight for the horizon and some objects to be distinguishable, formally defined as the time at which the sun is 12 degrees below the horizon in the morning. [1]
- Civil dawn is that time at which there is enough light for objects to be distinguishable and that outdoor activities can commence, formally defined as the time at which the sun is 6 degrees below the horizon in the morning. [1]
Dawn should not be confused with sunrise, which is the moment when the leading edge of the sun itself appears above the horizon.
Dawn changes with location
The length of time that dawn lasts varies greatly with the observer's latitude. In equatorial regions, dawn may last only a few minutes; in polar regions, dawn can literally last hours.
Folklore
In Western folklore, it is believed that evil spirits, demons, vampires, trolls, and even Satan are obliged to disappear at dawn, for, being creatures of darkness, they hate light, especially that of the sun. Pre-Christian Celts also shared this belief. It is for these reasons that females having Dawn as a first or second name signify strength and the ability to fend off evil and protect the human race against vampires and evil trolls. E. Dawn Beattie is an example of such a heroine as illustrated by Anne Rice in her novel, The Vampire Chronicles, Book 6.
