Why is it that even after Dec. 21, the sunset keeps getting later?

Story Published: Oct 4, 2006 at 3:35 PM PDT

Story Updated: Oct 4, 2006 at 3:35 PM PDT

By Scott Sistek

We get a lot of questions asking why, for instance, do the sunsets start to get later in December before Dec. 21. And why the sunrises continue to get later for a period of time after Dec. 21. The same holds true in reverse around June 21.

The explanation is called "The Equation of Time". The best place I've found to explain it is from this NASA Science Article.

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