Dawn refers to the transition from night to day as the sky gets brighter and the morning twilight heralds the beginning of a new day. It is recognized by the appearance of indirect sunlight being scattered in Earths atmosphere, when the center of the Suns disc has reached 18° below the observers horizon. Here are some key points about dawn:

• Scientific Definition: Science specifies dawn as a particular moment defined by the solar elevation angle, which is the position of the Sun in relation to the horizon. As with dusk, astronomers differentiate between three different stages of dawn, each marking the beginning of one of the three phases of morning twilight: astronomical dawn, nautical dawn, and civil dawn.

• Popular Usage: Colloquially, dawn is used to denote daybreak in general. It is also often seen as a synonym for the period of morning twilight when the Sun is still below the horizon, but its rays are already reflected by the Earths atmosphere, lighting up the sky. The term is also sometimes used as another word for sunrise—the moment when the upper edge of the Suns disk appears above the horizon and the first direct sunlight of the day becomes visible.

• Etymology: "Dawn" derives from the Old English verb dagian, "to become day".

• Religious Significance: As the beginning of a new day, dawn has a special significance in many of the worlds religions.

In addition to its astronomical and scientific definitions, "dawn" can also be used as a verb to describe the gradual appearance or development of something new, such as a new era or a new understanding.