Solar Altitude Calculator

Solar Altitude Equation:

\[ \sin \alpha = \sin \delta \sin \varphi + \cos \delta \cos \varphi \cos H \]

Solar Altitude (α):

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1. What is Solar Altitude?

Solar altitude (α) is the angle between the sun and the horizontal plane at a specific location and time. It represents how high the sun appears in the sky and is a crucial parameter in astronomy, solar energy, and navigation.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the solar altitude equation:

\[ \sin \alpha = \sin \delta \sin \varphi + \cos \delta \cos \varphi \cos H \]

Where:

\( \alpha \) — Solar 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 Solar Altitude Calculation

Details: Solar altitude is essential for solar panel positioning, architectural design, agricultural planning, and various scientific applications. It helps determine the intensity of solar radiation and optimal sun exposure.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter declination (δ), latitude (φ), and hour angle (H) in degrees. All values must be valid numerical inputs within appropriate ranges for accurate calculation.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is solar declination?
A: Solar declination is the angular distance of the sun north or south of the celestial equator, varying throughout the year due to Earth's axial tilt.

Q2: How is hour angle calculated?
A: Hour angle is the angular distance between the sun's current position and its position at solar noon, measured along the celestial equator.

Q3: What are typical solar altitude values?
A: Solar altitude ranges from 0° (sunrise/sunset) to 90° (directly overhead at equator during equinoxes), varying by location, season, and time of day.

Q4: How does latitude affect solar altitude?
A: Higher latitudes generally have lower maximum solar altitudes, while equatorial regions experience higher solar altitudes throughout the year.

Q5: What applications use solar altitude calculations?
A: Solar energy systems, architecture, agriculture, photography, aviation, maritime navigation, and astronomical observations all utilize solar altitude data.