Darkness facts for kids

Everything around us looks black in the dark

Darkness is when there no light. In practice, out in the open air, there almost always is some light, however slight. The darkness of the night sky is estimated by a nine-point scale known as the Bortle scale.

Darkness is made by blocking light from the sun or some other source of light, which makes shadow. At night the Earth blocks the sun, and casts a shadow over one entire side of the world. There is heat radiation even in the dark.

In mythology, darkness is often connected with evil. Many people are uncomfortable or afraid when in the dark, especially children.

Images for kids

• 

  The Creation of Light, by Gustave Doré

• 

  Caravaggio's The Calling of St Matthew uses darkness for its chiaroscuro effects.

• 

  Separation of light and darkness on the first day of creation, from the Sistine Chapel ceiling by Michelangelo

See also

In Spanish: Oscuridad para niños