Sunsets in Tucson, in the heart of the Sonoran Desert, is a place where nature puts on a daily show – and the grand finale is nothing short of spectacular. As the sun dips below the horizon, the desert sky explodes in a riot of color, making Tucson sunsets a must-see for any visitor or resident. What better way to relax and enjoy the end of the day than with a blaze of color.
Tucson Sunsets
Tucson’s dry climate and high desert elevation mean there’s less moisture and more dust in the air. This acts like a filter, allowing sunlight to pass through with minimal scattering. The result is more vibrant colors reach your eyes, making the sunsets come alive.
The surrounding mountains and cactus provide a a stunning silhouette against the colorful canvas of the sky. The stark contrast between the fiery hues and the unique desert landscape is truly awe-inspiring. With desert all around us and no buildings, lights or power lines, the only view is of the silhouetted desert and sunset.
High-altitude clouds play a starring role in the Tucson sunset drama. They transform into a giant artist’s palette, reflecting and amplifying the fiery oranges, reds and pinks of the setting sun. As the light fades, these clouds often take on softer hues of lavender and purple, adding a touch of serenity to the scene.
Unlike some densely populated areas, Tucson boasts a wide-open horizon. No towering buildings or thick forests obstruct the view. This allows you to witness the entire celestial performance, from the fiery descent of the sun to the breathtaking display of colors that paint the sky.
Capturing the Magic
Tucson sunsets are a dream. Some years are better than others, and this one wasn’t the best we’ve seen. Over the years, there are times when every night, no matter what the cloud cover is, there are spectacular sunsets. This year they were less consistent, but we still went out almost every night. Partly because you never know when there will be a good one, and mostly because we just enjoy being in the desert.
Because of Tucson’s low light situation, it was an ideal place for capturing the stars. Michael took a picture of Jupiter and four of it’s moons with an 800mm lens. To the naked eye, it was just a star.
