No. 23 Get up for the sunrise

Set your alarm clock

To see the sun rise you’ll need to wake up early in the morning. Check what time the sun is expected to rise where you live. Then set your alarm clock. 

If you’d like to see a colourful sky, full of oranges, reds and pinks, you’ll need the right conditions. Check the weather forecast – you’re looking for a ridge of high pressure and light winds to keep pollution levels low.

Lastly, try to find a clear view to watch the sunrise, such as from the top of a hill or on a beach. You’ll want to be facing east, which is the direction that the sun rises. 

What can you see and hear?

When the sun peeks above the land, you’ll notice the sky change colour. Look up and describe all the colours you can see. 

Birds are often very loud at this time of day, particularly in spring. This is called the dawn chorus. In summer in the UK, the dawn chorus can start as early as 4am. What sounds can you hear? 

Be inspired

Many famous poets, writers and artists have been inspired by sunrise. Could you follow in their footsteps? Draw a picture or write a poem inspired by the sunrise.

You could even go back to the same place later in the year to see if the sunrise looks the same. How does an autumn sunrise compare to a spring one?

Fun fact

Sunrise happens at different times around the world. People in Australia see the sun rise many hours before us while people in America see it many hours after us. Because the earth rotates as it travels around the sun, there is always one side facing the sun and one facing away from it. That means there is always a sunrise happening somewhere in the world.