No matter what time of year you visit Mattoon, you're sure to have a great time. So if you're looking for a small town with plenty to offer, loo...
Sunset
Twilight
Darkness
Most people know that sunset is the time when the sun goes down. But did you know that the sun doesn't actually set? Instead, Earth rotates into darkness, giving us the illusion that the sun is setting. So what causes sunset?
Well, it's a combination of things. The Earth's atmosphere scatters sunlight in every direction, but blue and violet light are scattered more than other colors. This is why the sky is usually blue during the daytime. As the sun gets lower in the sky, the atmosphere becomes thicker and more dense.
This scattering of sunlight happens to a greater extent, and we see red and orange light more than blue and violet light. That's why sunset is usually a beautiful red or orange color. So next time you see sunset, remember that you're actually seeing Earth rotate into darkness!
When it comes to Illinois small towns, Mattoon might just be one of the most underrated gems you'll ever stumble upon. Why? Location, location, location! Sitting smack in the middle of the Chicagoland area, Mattoon is minutes away from all the hustle and bustle but still maintains its own small-town feel. Plus, the surrounding areas are jam-packed with interesting attractions, like the Mike Connell American Folk Art Museum or the astronomical observatory near DeKalb.
Entertainment-wise, Mattoon is definitely not lacking. With venues like the Avenue Theatre and the Midland Theatre Hills, the city has something for everyone. For a more intellectual experience, head to the Roosevelt University Campus or the Mattoon Museum of Arts.
Winter in Mattoon is definitely a treat, with all the activities and events that come with it. Skating on the frozen Kilbourne River, playing in the snow at the Children's Museum of Mattoon, and touring the historic downtown by horse and carriage are just a few of the things you can do. Spring and fall are also great seasons to visit, as the temperatures are mild and the scenery is gorgeous. And of course, summertime in Mattoon is always a party! From festivals like the Strawberry Festival or the Downtown Block Party to the endless selection of events at the beach, there's always something to do.
No matter what time of year you visit Mattoon, you're sure to have a great time. So if you're looking for a small town with plenty to offer, look no further than Mattoon, Illinois!
}As the sun sets, the sky slowly grows dark. For many people, this is a time to relax and wind down for the day. But have you ever wondered exactly when it gets dark? The answer may surprise you.
Did you know that darkness actually begins long before the sun sets? As the sun gets lower in the sky, its light has to travel through more atmosphere. This filters out some of the blue light, making the sun look redder. At the same time, shadows get longer and darker. So by the time the sun finally dips below the horizon, darkness has already begun to fall.
Of course, not all places on Earth experience darkness at the same time. Near the equator, the sun sets and rises almost directly overhead. This means that there is less of a difference between daytime and nighttime. Closer to the poles, however, the sun stays low in the sky for much of the year. This leads to longer periods of darkness during wintertime.