Sunset and Sunrise App

With the lengthening days, and the time change, I often find myself wondering just how much daylight is left? Do I have time to get to the range, shoot, and still see to pick up my brass? Is there time for some yard work? Not to worry, "there's and app for that!"

Sunset and Sunrise for the iPhone provides the needed data in a easy to read, and interesting manner. The app uses iPhone's built-in GPS, or you can manually set a location. During the day, the main screen shows the time left until sunset, as well as how much daylight is remaining. The remaining light is based on "civil twilight," the limit at which terrestrial objects can be clearly distinguished. After dark, the app switches to determing first light and sunrise. Another screen provides information on upcoming solstices and equinoxes. You can also review future, and past, sunrise and sunset times.

One evening I sat at my window and watched the sunset and the app click down. It was interesting, in a nerdy sort of way. After official sunset, the app clicked down until last light, which was pretty accurate, even in our wooded location. I've used the app during an evening at the range to get the most time shooting and know I'd still be able to get packed up and leave before the gate lock became hard to see. Of course, if I had mistimed, my iPhone flashlight would have come in hand in working the combination lock.

Sunset and Sunrise provides a simple means to keep track of remaining daylight. It's available for $1.99 in the iTunes app store. Sure, it's not that hard to judge the sunset and sunrise without it, but where's the fun in that?