Early sunsets might be the worst part of winter for many, but sunsets will start getting later sooner than you think.
The earliest sunset actually occurs about one to two weeks before winter solstice, while the latest sunrise is a week or two after winter solstice.
Chicago’s earliest sunset, which is about 4:19 p.m., is just one month away, happening around Dec. 7. After that, the sunset starts to get later.
It’s a slow change at first, but by Jan. 1 sunset is back to 4:30 p.m. By Feb. 1 sunset is 5:05 p.m. On March 1, it’s 5:40 p.m. Then on March 8, Daylight Saving Time is back and sunset jumps to 6:40 p.m.
In case you’re wondering about the sunrise times, Chicago’s latest sunrise is 7:18 a.m. during the first week of January. Sunrise drops to 7:02 a.m. Feb. 1. Then to 6:25 a.m. on March 1. On March 8, it jumps back to 7:13 a.m.
Why are the earliest sunsets and latest sunrises not right at the winter solstice?
It has to do with earth’s axial tilt, and it’s orbital speed. Earth orbits the sun in an elliptical pattern, so it’s actually closer to the sun during winter and it speeds up in its orbit. This changes the “solar day” timing, which is why the extreme sunsets and sunrises are off from the solstice.
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