Sun Positions
using simple approximations
by Prof. Richard B. Goldstein of Providence College
- In the graphical output the sun's
azimuth is shown hourly on the left. The red line shows the
current position and the blue lines show the sunrise and sunset if
they occur.
- The black pie outlined segment on the right shows
the extent of the sun's altitude during the full 24 hours from
midnight to noon to midnight. Red indicates it is the day and how high the sun's
altitude is currently; likewise, blue indicates it is night and how
low the sun's position is below the surface currently.
- For the diagram
on the bottom the sun's hourly positions are shown for winter
solstice, equinox, and summer solstice. The elliptical orbit is
in red and the sun solid yellow with a red outline when it is day and
the elliptical orbit is in blue and the sun has a blue dot and blue
outline when it is night. The hours of midnight, 6 AM, noon, and
6 PM are shown in solid green.
- For those interested: Sundial
Calculations and Diagram
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The following equations were used (derivation):
