The Blue Hour

The Blue Hour—the period of twilight each morning and evening when the sun is below the horizon and the world gets painted in mellow blue tones—has always been my favorite time of day.  

The Blue Hour lasts about 40 minutes.  During this time red light from the sun passes straight into space but blue light is scattered into the atmosphere and reaches Earth’s surface.  This happens due to a difference in wavelengths—the wavelengths of blue light being shorter than those of red light.  The effect is like opening a book of old fairytales and walking inside the pages.

This time of day has long been treasured by artists.  Photographers call it sweet light.  But you don’t have to be an artist to get outside and enjoy these moments.  Check out the online BlueHourSite to find out when the morning and evening Blue Hours will happen in your area, and get outside!  Enjoy!

Jason Kapchinske is the author of Coyote Summer.