Winter Solstice Sun Angle Calculator

Winter Solstice Sun Angle Calculator

Enter your latitude (in degrees) to estimate the sun’s angle at noon on the winter solstice.

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FAQs

What is the angle of the sun at the winter solstice?

The angle of the sun at the winter solstice varies depending on the observer's latitude. At the Tropic of Capricorn (23.5 degrees south latitude), the sun appears directly overhead at noon on the winter solstice, resulting in an angle of 90 degrees from the horizon. At the Arctic Circle (66.5 degrees north latitude) and the Antarctic Circle (66.5 degrees south latitude), the sun does not rise above the horizon at all on the winter solstice.

How do you calculate winter solstice angle?

The angle of the sun at the winter solstice can be calculated using astronomical formulas based on the observer's latitude, the sun's declination, and the time of day. However, these calculations are complex and are usually performed using specialized software or astronomical resources.

Is the sun at a different angle in winter?

Yes, the angle of the sun is different in winter compared to other seasons due to the tilt of the Earth's axis. In winter, the Northern Hemisphere is tilted away from the sun, resulting in lower sun angles and shorter daylight hours.

How many degrees is the declination of the sun at the winter solstice?

At the winter solstice, the declination of the sun is approximately -23.5 degrees. This is the maximum negative declination, and it occurs on December 21 or 22 each year.

Where is the sun pointing during the winter solstice?

At the winter solstice, the sun appears to be at its lowest point in the sky at noon. In the Northern Hemisphere, it is positioned at its most southerly point on the celestial sphere, directly over the Tropic of Capricorn at 23.5 degrees south latitude.

What is the declination angle on December 21?

On December 21, the declination angle of the sun is approximately -23.5 degrees. This is the latitude at which the sun is directly overhead at noon on the winter solstice.

What is the winter solstice maximum tilt?

The winter solstice maximum tilt refers to the tilt of the Earth's axis away from the sun, resulting in the shortest day and longest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. The maximum tilt is approximately 23.5 degrees away from the sun's rays.

What solstice is 23.5 degrees?

The solstice with a declination angle of 23.5 degrees is the summer solstice, which occurs around June 21 or 22 each year. On this day, the Northern Hemisphere is tilted toward the sun, resulting in the longest day and shortest night of the year.

Does the sun's angle change with the seasons?

Yes, the sun's angle changes with the seasons due to the tilt of the Earth's axis. As the Earth orbits the sun, different latitudes receive varying amounts of sunlight, leading to the changing seasons and different sun angles throughout the year.

Why is the sun in a different position in winter?

The sun is in a different position in winter because of the tilt of the Earth's axis. During the winter solstice, the Northern Hemisphere is tilted away from the sun, causing the sun's rays to hit the Earth at a lower angle, resulting in cooler temperatures and shorter daylight hours.

How does the sun angle change throughout the year?

The sun angle changes throughout the year due to the Earth's axial tilt and its orbit around the sun. As the Earth orbits the sun, different latitudes receive varying amounts of sunlight, causing the sun's angle to change with the seasons.

How do you calculate the summer and winter sun angle?

Calculating the summer and winter sun angles involves complex astronomical calculations based on the observer's latitude, the sun's declination, and the time of day. These calculations are usually performed using specialized software or astronomical resources.

What is my azimuth angle?

Your azimuth angle is the angle between the sun and the north direction, measured clockwise. It indicates the direction the sun is located in the sky relative to your position.

How do you measure sun angle with a protractor?

To measure the sun angle with a protractor, you need to know the altitude of the sun (the angle between the sun and the horizon) and the azimuth angle (the angle between the sun and the north direction). These measurements can be obtained using specialized solar instruments or by using online tools that provide sun position data for a specific location and time.

How much sunlight do we get each day after winter solstice?

After the winter solstice, the length of daylight gradually increases each day until it reaches the summer solstice, where it starts decreasing again. The exact amount of additional sunlight each day varies depending on the observer's latitude and time of year.

What is the position of the Sun on 22 December?

On December 22, the position of the sun in the sky depends on the observer's location and the time of day. In general, on the winter solstice (around December 21 or 22), the sun appears at its lowest point in the sky at noon in the Northern Hemisphere.

Why does the Sun stand still on the winter solstice?

The term "solstice" comes from the Latin words "sol" (sun) and "sistere" (to stand still). During the winter solstice, the sun appears to "stand still" in its daily motion as its noontime elevation remains constant for several days before gradually rising again.

Where is 90 degree declination?

A declination angle of 90 degrees occurs at the North Pole and the South Pole on specific dates, where the sun is directly overhead at local noon.

What is the zenith angle of the noon sun at 23.5 S on December 21?

The zenith angle of the noon sun at 23.5 degrees south latitude (approximately the Tropic of Capricorn) on December 21 is 90 degrees, meaning the sun appears directly overhead at noon.