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Sunsets
by Mare-Anne Jarvela
I recently had the good fortune to visit the Keys in Florida and witness some amazing sunsets over the ocean. It was a different light show every night. One night the Sun "melted" into the ocean. The next evening it passed through some clouds and then surprised everyone by peeking out at the last minute before dropping quickly into the ocean. Beaches, ocean-front bars and restaurants fill up with people ready to see a new performance every night. It's a celebration of the beauty of the ocean and the sky.
Living in the hills of New Hampshire, I can't see the Sun set at the horizon. There are mountains and forests in the way. I do see the Sun disappear behind the trees, and if I'm lucky, I'll see a beautiful red glow in the sky telling me that the Sun is setting somewhere in the west. It's still a celebration of the cycles of nature. The red sky will darken and the stars, Moon and planets will light up the dark New Hampshire sky.
A few minutes before 8 P.M. tonight I will look for those beautiful last rays over the hills. Every evening the Sun will set a minute or two later telling me that the days are getting longer and summer is not too far away.
Something to ponder. It is simply the Earth's rotation eastward that we experience when we see the Sun set.
Reader Comments
Comment from Paul Belliveau on May 8, 2008
Until I traveled to Oklahoma several years ago, I never understood what they meant by "Big Sky". I live in New England and the mountains and trees surround you, like a blanket surrounding you in winter...it's comforting.
In Oklahoma it was wonderful to see so much blue sky and experience the sunsetting...getting larger as it sets. But I did feel somewhat exposed. No blankets of trees or mountains around me. The only way I can see the sun set at the horizon is to travel up a mountain. Fortunately we have a drivable mountain top not far from my house. Pack Monadnock at Miller State Park http://www.nhstateparks.com/miller.html has a summit road and a forestry tower at the top where you can see Boston on a clear day.
If you're in the area, I recommend you visit the park, it's an easy climb too if you're so inclined.
Comment from ED Lee on May 20, 2008
I have a canon camera and I finally got a few pictures of sunsets.They were not easy to get. We live in a beautiful country and I am in a beautiful part of Canada..Renfrew county the largest county in Ontario
Comment from Carol Kincel on May 22, 2008
One of the most beautiful sunsets I have ever seen was at Alligator Point, FL. As my friend and I walked along the beach toward the west the sun was setting. When we turn to retrace our footsteps - WOW! What a sight to behold. The sand of the beach had turned to a delicate pink, the clouds to the east were purple and lavender. Had never see a sunset to compare.Altho I have seen some spectacular sunrises and sunsets in AZ and NM.
Comment from Leona Schneider on August 12, 2008
I live in Glenwood Minnesota in an apartment on the third with windows facing west overlooking beautiful Lake Minnewaska. I have seen some spectacular beautiful sunsets as the sun slowly sinks seemingly into the lake. I do miss the sunrises though if I don't get up early and go downstairs to look out the east windows. Leona Schneider gamble68@runestone.net
Comment from Marty Brunskill on September 12, 2008
I live in sw Wisconsin but on Friday nights I go to a stockcar track about 50 miles away in Iowa and on most race nights there is a great sunset looking into turn 4 to my left. It just adds to one of my life passions of racing.
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