Here's why:

* Observation: We directly perceive the sun appearing in the eastern sky every morning. This is based on our senses and direct experience.

* Inference: An inference is a conclusion reached on the basis of evidence and reasoning. While we can infer things about the Earth's rotation and the sun's position based on the observed rising of the sun, the statement itself is a direct observation.

In summary: The statement is an observation because it describes a directly observable phenomenon.