What Time Does Sunrise Begin? Complete Guide to Astronomical Phenomena in February

Knowing what time the sun begins to rise each day is more than just curiosity: it allows you to optimize daily activities like hiking, farming, and fishing, as well as make the most of natural daylight hours. Those who want to know the exact time the sun emerges over the horizon can plan their day precisely and enjoy this natural spectacle in its full grandeur. The sunrise time is not constant: it varies due to multiple geographic and seasonal factors that are worth understanding.

Exact sunrise time in Buenos Aires

According to the Naval Hydrographic Service (SHN), in Buenos Aires, the morning twilight — that period of partial light before sunrise — begins at 6:01 a.m. During these moments, although the Sun is still below the horizon, its rays disperse in the atmosphere and gradually illuminate the sky, setting the stage for what’s to come.

At 6:27 a.m., the sun actually begins to rise in this city: the precise moment when the upper edge of the sun emerges above the horizon. This marks the true start of the day, the definitive transition from night to full daylight. Knowing this time exactly allows gardeners, photographers, and early risers to synchronize their activities with the planet’s natural rhythms.

Morning twilight: the period before sunrise

Morning twilight is a fascinating phenomenon that deserves special attention. It is the period of partial illumination that occurs just before the sun fully rises. During these minutes, the Earth’s atmosphere acts as a natural filter that disperses sunlight, creating a visual gradient from darkness to full brightness.

This interval between 6:01 and 6:27 a.m. — in the case of Buenos Aires — is especially valued by artists, astronomers, and nature photographers. It’s the ideal time to capture images with unique lighting, impossible to replicate at other times of the day.

Why sunrise time varies depending on location

Latitude is the determining factor. Near the Equator, sunrise times change very little throughout the year, remaining relatively constant. However, in mid-latitudes like Argentina, differences of about two hours can occur between the summer and winter solstices.

This is due to Earth’s axial tilt. During the southern hemisphere’s summer, the planet tilts in such a way that solar rays reach these regions more directly and for longer periods, causing sunrise to occur significantly earlier. Conversely, during winter, this tilt reduces the amount of received light, pushing the sunrise to later hours.

Maximum temperature and the hottest moment

According to the National Meteorological Service (SMN), on February 15, the temperature will reach its peak in the early afternoon, approximately 26°C. The Windy platform refines this prediction, indicating 4:00 p.m. as the exact time of maximum heat.

This information is especially valuable for planning agricultural, commercial, or recreational activities that require considering the thermal conditions of the day.

Sunset and end of the day

If sunrise marks the beginning of the day, sunset marks its end. The setting of the sun — when the upper edge of the star disappears below the horizon — occurs at 7:46 p.m. according to SHN. This moment marks the end of direct daylight and the start of evening twilight.

Evening twilight, the period of partial illumination after sunset, extends until approximately 8:13 p.m. During this phase, the sun remains hidden behind the horizon but its light continues to illuminate the atmosphere, creating a gradual transition into complete night darkness.

Predicted astronomical eclipses for 2026

Throughout 2026, humanity will witness four strategically distributed eclipse events during the year. The Naval Hydrographic Service provides precise details for each:

Annular Solar Eclipse (February 17)

Starts at 9:56 UT and ends at 14:27 UT. It will be partially visible from southern Argentina, Chile, and southern Africa, while the complete annular phase can be observed from Antarctica. In this type of eclipse, the Moon is positioned between Earth and the Sun but at a distance that prevents it from fully covering the solar disk, leaving a bright “ring of fire” around the lunar edges. Unlike total eclipses, the sky retains a notable daytime brightness. Direct observation requires certified eclipse glasses.

Total Lunar Eclipse (March 3)

Begins at 9:49 UT and peaks at 13:17 UT. This event will be visible from the entire Pacific Ocean, all of the Americas — including Argentina —, East Asia, and Australia. During a total lunar eclipse, Earth completely blocks the Sun’s light from reaching the Moon, covering the lunar disk with Earth’s umbra. The Moon takes on a reddish or copper hue, popularly known as “Blood Moon,” caused by sunlight refracted through Earth’s atmosphere. Unlike solar eclipses, this can be observed with the naked eye without special protection.

Total Solar Eclipse (August 12)

Starts at 15:34 UT and ends at 19:58 UT. It will be visible partially in northern United States, western Africa, and Europe, while the total phase will be visible in the Arctic, Greenland, Iceland, and Spain. In this eclipse, the Moon perfectly aligns between Earth and the Sun, completely covering the solar disk from a narrow band known as the path of totality. Within this zone, daytime darkens as during dusk, revealing the solar corona — the Sun’s outer atmosphere — visible only during these brief minutes. Direct observation is strongly discouraged.

Partial Lunar Eclipse (August 28)

Extends from 2:33 UT to 5:51 UT. It will be visible in the eastern Pacific Ocean, all of the Americas, Europe, and Africa. This type of eclipse occurs when only part of the lunar disk enters Earth’s umbra, while the rest remains directly illuminated. The result is a partially darkened Moon with reddish tones and the other half bright. It can be observed with the naked eye without any protection.

Meteor showers: celestial spectacles throughout the year

According to NASA data, 2026 will feature seven notable meteor showers, each offering a unique opportunity to observe the night sky:

Quadrantids (late December to early January): One of the most prolific, with dozens of meteors per hour under ideal conditions.

Lyrids (late April): Moderate shower linked to comet Thatcher.

Eta Aquarids (late April to early May): Generated by debris from Halley’s Comet, offering up to 60 meteors per hour in the Southern Hemisphere.

Delta Aquarids (Southern) (late July to early August): Less intense but significant for Southern Hemisphere observers.

Perseids (late July to early August): Possibly the most famous, with rates up to 100 meteors per hour.

Orionids (early October to mid-November): Also linked to Halley’s Comet, visible from both hemispheres.

Leonids (early November to early December): Historic shower that in certain years produces “meteor storms.”

Geminids (December): The second most intense shower of the year, with up to 150 meteors per hour at its peak.

These astronomical opportunities allow enthusiasts and professionals to connect with celestial phenomena, complementing the understanding of how each day begins with sunrise and how the year’s astronomical spectacle unfolds.