At this time of year, it's light enough for Alaskan kids to play catch late into the evening. Meanwhile, near the equator, darkness falls suddenly. On today's show, the duration of twilight at various places on Earth. Dennis, that's good detective work by the novel's narrator.
Twilight is shorter at the equator.
As seen from the equator, at all times of the year, the sun's path in relation to the horizon is more nearly vertical than it is as seen from farther north or south on Earth's globe. So darkness falls suddenly. Traveling on that path, the sun stays closer to the horizon longer, even after it sets. And that's why people in northerly latitudes are now experiencing twilight well into the evening. Dennis, thanks for your question.