The "golden hour" refers to the period shortly after sunrise and before sunset when the sunlight is soft and warm. During this time, the angle of the sun creates a beautiful, golden hue that enhances the colors of the landscape. Photographers often seek out this time for capturing stunning images, as the light can add depth and richness to their photos. This phenomenon occurs because the sunlight passes through more of the Earth's atmosphere, scattering shorter blue wavelengths and allowing longer red and orange wavelengths to dominate. The golden hour typically lasts about an hour, but its exact duration can vary based on geographic location and time of year.