The shift to night gives the damaged carrier group a temporary reprieve in the scenario. Japanese night-strike capability was limited in this 1941-era setting, particularly against a moving target. Darkness therefore changes the immediate threat even while enemy carriers remain nearby. Daytime carrier striking power did not translate easily into locating and hitting ships after dark.
Notable Point · 1:31:02-1:31:17
Why darkness complicated Japanese carrier strikes
Darkness offers a reprieve because Japanese aircraft in this 1941-era setting would struggle to attack a moving carrier group at night.