1. What is Sun Altitude?

Sun altitude (α) is the angle between the sun's rays and the horizontal plane at a specific location and time. It represents how high the sun appears in the sky and varies throughout the day and year.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the sun altitude equation:

Where:

• \( \alpha \) — Sun altitude (degrees)
• \( \delta \) — Solar declination (degrees)
• \( \varphi \) — Observer's latitude (degrees)
• \( H \) — Hour angle (degrees)

Explanation: The equation calculates the sun's position in the sky based on astronomical coordinates and the observer's location and time.

3. Importance of Sun Altitude Calculation

Details: Sun altitude is crucial for solar energy systems, architecture, photography, agriculture, and understanding seasonal variations in sunlight intensity and duration.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter declination (typically -23.5° to +23.5°), latitude (-90° to +90°), and hour angle (0° to 360°). All values must be in degrees.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is solar declination?
A: Solar declination is the angle between the sun's rays and the celestial equator, varying between approximately -23.5° and +23.5° throughout the year.

Q2: How is hour angle calculated?
A: Hour angle is 0° at solar noon, negative before noon, and positive after noon. Each hour equals 15° (360°/24 hours).

Q3: What is the maximum possible sun altitude?
A: The maximum sun altitude occurs at solar noon and depends on latitude and declination. At the equator, it can reach 90°.

Q4: How does sun altitude affect solar energy?
A: Higher sun altitude means more direct sunlight and greater solar energy reception. Lower altitudes result in more diffuse light and less energy.

Q5: Why does sun altitude change with seasons?
A: Seasonal changes in solar declination due to Earth's axial tilt cause variations in sun altitude throughout the year.