Sun Altitude Calculator

Sun altitude refers to the angle of the sun above the horizon. At sunrise and sunset, it’s near 0 degrees, rising as the day progresses. At solar noon, it reaches its peak, typically around 60-90 degrees. Sun altitude affects the intensity of sunlight, shadows, and temperature, varying with time, location, and season.

Time of Day	Sun Altitude (Degrees)	Description
Sunrise	0	Sun is just above the horizon.
Morning	30 – 45	Sun is rising and ascending.
Solar Noon	60 – 90	Sun is at its highest point.
Afternoon	30 – 45	Sun is descending.
Sunset	0	Sun is just above the horizon.
Evening	Below 30	Sun is setting and getting lower.
Night	Below 0	Sun is below the horizon, it’s dark.

FAQs

How do you calculate the elevation of the sun? The elevation of the sun can be calculated using the following formula: Elevation = 90° – Solar Zenith Angle, where the Solar Zenith Angle is the angle between the sun and the vertical (zenith) point directly above an observer.

Is sun altitude the same as sun elevation? Yes, sun altitude and sun elevation are often used interchangeably to refer to the angle of the sun above the horizon.

How high is sun altitude? The sun’s altitude can vary throughout the day, but it typically ranges from 0° (on the horizon) to a maximum of approximately 90° (directly overhead).

What is the minimum altitude of the sun? The minimum altitude of the sun is 0°, which occurs at sunrise and sunset when the sun is on the horizon.

What is the altitude of the sun at 60 degrees? The altitude of the sun at 60 degrees latitude would be 30° at solar noon, assuming it’s a clear day and you’re at sea level.

What is the altitude of the sun mean? The “altitude of the sun” typically refers to the angle of the sun above the horizon at a given time. It varies throughout the day and depends on your location and the time of year.

Do you get more sun the higher the altitude? Yes, generally, higher altitudes receive more sunlight than lower altitudes because there is less atmosphere to scatter or absorb sunlight at higher elevations.

Are you closer to the sun at higher altitudes? No, your distance from the sun is primarily determined by the Earth’s orbit, and altitude above the Earth’s surface does not significantly affect your distance to the sun.

Is the sun ever exactly overhead at an altitude of 90? Yes, the sun can be directly overhead at an altitude of 90° for locations near the equator during certain times of the year.

How close can you stand to the sun? You cannot stand close to the sun. The sun is located about 93 million miles (150 million kilometers) away from Earth.

How much higher is the sun in summer? The sun appears higher in the sky during the summer in the Northern Hemisphere compared to the winter. This can vary based on your latitude, but it can be roughly 23.5 degrees higher in the summer solstice compared to the winter solstice.

How do you calculate sunshade angle? The angle of a sunshade can be calculated based on the sun’s altitude and azimuth angle relative to your location. The exact calculation depends on the design and purpose of the sunshade.

What is flying too close to the Sun? Flying too close to the sun is a metaphorical expression and not a real scenario. In Greek mythology, Icarus flew too close to the sun using wings made of feathers and wax, which melted, causing him to fall into the sea. It’s often used to caution against overambition or hubris.

How much closer would Earth have to be to the Sun to be uninhabitable? Earth’s habitability depends on various factors, including its distance from the sun. If Earth were significantly closer to the sun, it could become uninhabitable due to extreme temperatures, but estimating the exact distance is complex and would depend on many other factors.

Why does the Sun’s altitude change? The sun’s altitude changes throughout the day due to the Earth’s rotation. It rises in the east, reaches its highest point (altitude) at solar noon, and sets in the west. Additionally, the sun’s altitude varies with the seasons due to the tilt of the Earth’s axis.

What is the altitude of winter sun? The altitude of the winter sun varies depending on your location and latitude. Near the poles, the sun may remain very low on the horizon or not rise at all during winter. At mid-latitudes, it will be lower in the sky compared to the summer sun.

How does the sun’s altitude affect temperature? The sun’s altitude affects temperature by influencing the angle at which sunlight reaches the Earth’s surface. Higher sun altitudes lead to more direct and concentrated sunlight, resulting in higher temperatures.

What is the altitude of the sun at sunrise? The altitude of the sun at sunrise is typically 0° because the sun is on the horizon when it rises.

Is sun stronger in Colorado? Sun strength is often measured by solar irradiance, which can vary by location and time of year. Colorado, with its high elevation and sunny climate, may experience relatively strong sunlight, but it depends on specific factors and is not necessarily stronger than other sunny regions.

Why is the sun stronger in California? The strength of the sun in California can be influenced by factors like latitude, altitude, and weather conditions. Coastal areas may experience milder sunlight compared to inland desert regions, but “strength” can vary widely within the state.

Do you sunburn easier in Colorado? You may be more susceptible to sunburn in Colorado due to its higher elevation, which means there is less atmosphere to filter out harmful UV radiation. However, the risk of sunburn also depends on factors like skin type, sun exposure duration, and sunscreen use.

Is the sun stronger in Florida or California? The strength of the sun can vary by location and time of year, but in general, both Florida and California can experience strong sunlight. Factors such as latitude, altitude, and weather patterns can influence sun intensity in different regions of these states.

Is the sun stronger in Florida or Arizona? Arizona, particularly in desert areas like Phoenix and Tucson, tends to have stronger and more intense sunlight compared to Florida due to its lower latitude and clear skies.

What season does the sun have the highest altitude? The sun has its highest altitude in the sky during the summer months in the Northern Hemisphere and the winter months in the Southern Hemisphere. This corresponds to the summer solstice in the Northern Hemisphere and the winter solstice in the Southern Hemisphere.

What if Earth had a 90 degree tilt? If Earth had a 90-degree tilt, it would experience extreme seasonal variations. At certain times of the year, one pole would be in constant sunlight while the other would be in constant darkness, leading to extreme temperature differences and challenging living conditions.

Is the Sun ever directly overhead in the US? The sun can be directly overhead in some parts of the United States, primarily in the southernmost regions and U.S. territories like Guam and Puerto Rico. In the contiguous 48 states, it never occurs at latitudes north of approximately 23.5 degrees.

Is the Sun ever directly above you? The sun can be directly overhead (at an altitude of 90°) for observers near the equator during certain times of the year.

What month does the Sun reach its highest point? In the Northern Hemisphere, the sun reaches its highest point (highest altitude) around June 21st during the summer solstice. In the Southern Hemisphere, it reaches its highest point around December 21st during the summer solstice.

What month is the Sun up the longest? The month with the longest daylight hours (sun up the longest) varies by latitude. In the Northern Hemisphere, it typically occurs around the summer solstice (late June), while in the Southern Hemisphere, it occurs around the winter solstice (late June).

Does the Sun rise faster in winter or summer? The speed at which the sun appears to rise is relatively constant throughout the year. However, the time of sunrise varies, occurring later in the winter and earlier in the summer.

What would happen if the Earth was 1 mile closer to the sun? If Earth were 1 mile closer to the sun, it would have a minimal impact on the planet’s climate and habitability. The change in distance is relatively insignificant compared to the average Earth-Sun distance of about 93 million miles.

What would happen if the Earth was 1 inch closer to the sun? A change of 1 inch in Earth’s distance from the sun would have no noticeable impact on the planet’s climate or conditions. The Earth-Sun distance is much greater than 1 inch.

How long should humans sit in the sun? The recommended time for sun exposure varies depending on factors like skin type, time of day, and location. Generally, short periods of sun exposure, about 10-30 minutes a few times a week, can help the body produce vitamin D. However, excessive sun exposure can lead to skin damage, so it’s important to use sunscreen and take precautions.

What side of the sunshade should face out? The reflective or lighter side of a sunshade should typically face outwards to reflect sunlight and heat away from the shaded area, helping to keep it cooler.

What is the highest angle of the sun? The highest angle of the sun in the sky, also known as solar noon or solar culmination, occurs when the sun is at its maximum altitude for a given location and time.

Which way does the sunshade face? A sunshade should face in the direction that maximizes its effectiveness in blocking or reflecting sunlight. In most cases, this means it should face the direction of the sun to provide shade.

Where should you sit on a plane to avoid the Sun? To avoid direct sunlight on a plane, choose a seat on the side opposite to the sun’s current position in the sky. This may vary depending on the flight direction and time of day.

Can a plane block the Sun? No, a typical commercial airplane cannot block the Sun. The Sun is much larger and farther away, and an airplane’s size and altitude are insufficient to block the Sun’s light.

Can you fly fast enough to keep up with the Sun? No, it’s not possible for any aircraft to fly fast enough to keep up with the Sun’s apparent motion across the sky. The Earth’s rotation speed is much greater than the fastest aircraft.

How much longer will the Earth be habitable? Estimating the future habitability of Earth is complex and depends on various factors, including human actions, climate change, and technological advancements. Earth is expected to remain habitable for many millions of years, but human impacts on the environment may alter this timeline.

Will the Earth be uninhabitable in 50 years? Predicting the habitability of Earth in 50 years depends on many factors, including efforts to address climate change, resource management, and technological advancements. While there are challenges, it is not possible to definitively state that Earth will be uninhabitable in 50 years.

How hot is the Earth 1 mile down? The temperature beneath the Earth’s surface increases with depth due to geothermal heat. At a depth of 1 mile (about 5,280 feet or 1,609 meters), temperatures can vary, but they are generally higher than at the surface. The estimated increase is typically around 25-30°F (14-17°C) per mile of depth.

How often does the sun’s elevation change? The sun’s elevation changes continuously throughout the day due to the Earth’s rotation. It goes through a full cycle from sunrise to sunset, during which the elevation gradually increases and then decreases.

Does the sun change position in winter? Yes, the position of the sun in the sky changes with the seasons. In winter, the sun takes a lower path across the sky, resulting in shorter daylight hours and a lower solar altitude compared to summer.

Is the sun ever exactly overhead at an altitude of 90? Yes, the sun can be exactly overhead at an altitude of 90° for locations near the equator during certain times of the year.

Does the sun set later at altitude? At higher altitudes, the sun may set slightly later than at lower elevations due to the way the atmosphere can refract or bend sunlight. However, the difference is usually small and not highly noticeable.

What happens when angle of elevation of sun increases from 0 to 90 degrees? As the angle of elevation of the sun increases from 0 to 90 degrees, the sun rises from the horizon, climbs higher in the sky, and eventually reaches its highest point at solar noon. Afterward, it descends in the sky until it sets below the horizon.

When the angle of elevation of the sun increases from 45 to 60 degrees? When the angle of elevation of the sun increases from 45 to 60 degrees, the sun climbs higher in the sky. This typically happens as the day progresses, with the sun reaching 60 degrees altitude around mid-morning to early afternoon, depending on your location and time of year.

What time is it when the sun is at 45 degrees? The time when the sun reaches 45 degrees altitude in the sky varies depending on your location and the time of year. It is approximately around solar noon for many locations, but the exact time can differ.

When the sun is 30 degrees above the horizon time? The time when the sun is 30 degrees above the horizon also varies by location and time of year. It typically occurs earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon, depending on your location and whether it’s morning or evening.

How much higher is the Sun in summer than winter? The Sun can be approximately 47 degrees higher in the sky during summer (around solar noon) compared to winter (around solar noon) at mid-latitudes. This difference is due to the tilt of the Earth’s axis and results in longer daylight hours in summer.

Why does it get colder in higher elevation when you are closer to the Sun? Higher elevation areas can be colder even though they are closer to the Sun because the atmosphere thins at higher altitudes, which reduces the greenhouse effect. This leads to less heat retention and colder temperatures.

Why does the Sun feel hotter at higher elevations? The Sun can feel hotter at higher elevations because there is less atmosphere to scatter and absorb sunlight. As a result, more direct and intense sunlight reaches the surface, making it feel hotter to the skin.

What state has the strongest sun? Arizona, New Mexico, and Nevada are often cited as U.S. states with some of the strongest and most intense sunlight due to their high elevations and desert climates.

Is sunburn easier in Colorado? Sunburn can be easier to acquire in Colorado due to its higher elevation and thinner atmosphere, which allows more UV radiation to reach the surface. However, sunburn risk also depends on factors like sun exposure duration and skin protection measures.

Is the sun stronger in Florida or California? The strength of the sun can vary by location within Florida and California, but on average, both states can experience strong sunlight. Factors like latitude, altitude, and weather conditions contribute to regional variations in sun intensity.