In the evening, head to one of Pitkin's cozy pubs for some live music or drinks with friends. Or, take a walk down Main Street and take in the c...
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!
, and what to see and do
If you're looking for a charming mountain town to explore, Pitkin might be the place for you. With panoramic views of the Rockies, hiking, biking, and cross-country skiing are all right at your fingertips.
Pitkin is located in southwestern Colorado just minutes from the Utah state line. It's nestled at an altitude of nearly 10,000 feet, so you'll enjoy stunning views of the Rockies at all hours of the day.
The city is located on the banks of the Pitkin River, which bisects the city in half. Historic Main Street runs north-south through the heart of the city and offers plenty of shops, art galleries, and restaurants.
In the summer, the weather is often hot and sunny, while in the winter it can be cool and wet. Most years, it's mild enough to wear a coat year-round.
What to See and Do
Start your day with a cup of coffee at one of Pitkin's many independently-owned cafes. Wander down Main Street and take in all the charming architecture. Check out local businesses, chat with the locals, and explore the endless possibilities for things to do in this community-focused town.
During your afternoon, explore the nearby mountains by hiking, biking, or skiing. One of the town's favorite hikes is the Pitkin Open Space Preserve, which has breathtaking views of the Rockies.
In the evening, head to one of Pitkin's cozy pubs for some live music or drinks with friends. Or, take a walk down Main Street and take in the crystal-clear night sky. No matter what you do, make sure to enjoy the amazing views of Colorado's tallest mountains from Pitkin!
}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.