"The darkest hour is just before the dawn." Is that literally true? nt

[raccoon]

[datasuspect]

1. when we massed the Ambrosius and Rex legions on the shores of Brittania

a crisp wind sheared across our faces. the rosy fingers of dawn were tracing their delicate weave in the heavens and the light it cast lent to all of the land a grim aspect.

although the gods favored us with such a clear morn, its portent was realized in the bloodshed of that sorrowful day.

[raccoon]

4. Did you write that, or is it someone else's work? nt

[datasuspect]

5. i just blurted it out

the "rosy fingers of dawn" i stole from homer.

i thought i was being humorous.

[ghostsofgiants]

2. I wouldn't think so.

The closer to dawn, the closer the sun is to rising, which means more light is being reflected from the sun even if the sun itself isn't yet visible. I'd assume there's a mid-point where it's darkest. (I don't know much about that stuff though so I'm just guessing.)

[Deep13]

3. The darkest hour is just before it goes pitch black.

[skygazer]

6. I believe it depends on the phase of the moon

There are times the moon is still out in the morning and I would think it would be a bit lighter before dawn at that time. Other times, the moon sets before the sun rises and it would be darker. But it's been a long time since my astronomy class so I could be wrong.

[trackfan]

7. I don't think it's true.

It seems to get gradually lighter as actual dawn approaches. The roosters seem to bear this out, as they usually crow at the first snippet of change in the darkness, which is sometimes around 4:30.