Silver Spring experiences a temperate climate with mild winters and hot summers. As with much of the Mid-Atlantic, Silver Spring is well-connect...
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!
Situated in Montgomery County, Maryland, just outside of Washington, DC, Silver Spring is one of the metropolitan areas in the Mid-Atlantic region. Originally a – and still largely – rural area, Silver Spring has seen significant growth over the past few decades, transforming from a bedroom community of Washington, D.C. into an urban center with a well-rounded commercial and diningscape. With excellent public transportation, walkability, and a thriving arts and culture scene, Silver Spring has something for everyone.
Located just east of the central business district of Washington, D.C., Silver Spring occupies an urban core lined with parks and business districts. The city is divided by the Northwest Branch of the Anacostia River, with neighborhoods on either side. Geography aside, one of the most iconic features of Silver Spring is the Washington Monument, which can be seen from many areas in the city. Major business districts in Silver Spring include Federal Hill, University Place, and Hyattsville.
Silver Spring experiences a temperate climate with mild winters and hot summers. As with much of the Mid-Atlantic, Silver Spring is well-connected to the outdoors with over 100 miles of trails and parks within the city limits. The closest major states are Virginia to the south and Maryland to the east. Silver Spring is home to both the National Institutes of Health and the National Security Agency. Some of the city's most popular attractions include the Hollywood Casino (with a tower that offers expansive views of the city), the Port Dundas Village shopping mall, and the Takoma Park Library.
}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.