, Hong Kong.]] (July 2004).]]Dawn is the period of time immediately preceding sunrise. It is recognized by the presence of weak sunlight, while the sun itself is still below the horizon. There are a number of more technical definitions of dawn, including the following:
Astronomical dawn is the moment after which the sky is no longer completely dark, formally defined as the time at which the sun is 18 degrees below the horizon in the morning.
Nautical dawn that time at which there is just enough sunlight for the horizon and some objects to be distinguishable, formally defined as the time at which the sun is 12 degrees below the horizon in the morning.
Civil dawn is that time at which there is enough light for objects to be distinguishable and that outdoor activities can commence, formally defined as the time at which the sun is 6 degree below the horizon in the morning. Astronomical Terms at National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Dawn should not be confused wit