When looking at a photo, is there a way to tell a sunrise from a sunset?

Answer 1

Technically yes. The color temperatures are cooler at a sunrise than at sunset. So a red (or purple) in the morning is scientifically different than the similar hue in the evening. Then you have to factor in the clearness of the air in the am vs pm.

The practical answer is no. You really can't tell from casual observation.

Answer 2

It's hard pressed to tell whether it's a sunrise or a sunset. especially because each one has so many variations that can be thrown in at random, such as unusual coloring, too many clouds to get an advantage point, etc.

usually, if you can find a reference point (such as tree line, mtn range or some other easily identifiable object) you can make an educated guess.

also, if you know who took the image, you can figure it out by the persons charector. are they the kind to get up early enough to take a true sunrise photo? are they the kind to stay up late enough to get a true sunset photo?

Answer 3

Consider also what surrounding identifiers could be. Here in the Northwest we have distinct mt. ranges to help identify which direction you are facing, and then given where the sun is, you'll know if it's rising or setting. Example, if the sun is on the horizon close the to the olympics, it's setting.

Answer 4

well that is going to depend on what part of a country are you on. when you are on the western side of a cuntry the sun rises and eastern it sets but if you are on eastern side of country it rise in east and set in west. i think the best way to tell in a photos is to look around the photo.. if its near dark looking maybe its a sen set... check the shadows of plants... but hey i dnt even know what part of the owrld the photo is taken on..

Answer 5

the sunrise has more mist and bluish cast and the sunset is clearer and more yellow-redish

Answer 6

lol dont think so