The Washington PostDemocracy Dies in Darkness

Why we should all be gazing at more sunsets

People find sunrises and sunsets to be the most beautiful and awe-inspiring weather, research shows. Here are tips on how to see them.

April 13, 2023 at 7:00 a.m. EDT
People gather to watch the sunset at Jockey’s Ridge State Park on Wednesday April 05, 2023 in Nags Head, NC. (Matt McClain/The Washington Post)
6 min

There’s nothing like a sunset to stop you in your tracks. Whether you’re commuting, relaxing on vacation or quickly glancing out the window, the vibrant reds, oranges and yellows streaming from the sun grab your attention. So many of us think, “Wow.” We become momentarily speechless.

Now research tells us: Sunsets are among the most beautiful fleeting weather phenomenon in a day.