Sun Altitude Calculator

Formula

To calculate the Sun Altitude (A):

\[ A = 90 - (\phi - \delta) \]

Where:

\(A\) is the Altitude of the Sun (degrees)
\(\phi\) is the Latitude of the Observer (degrees)
\(\delta\) is the Declination of the Sun (degrees)

What is Sun Altitude?

Sun altitude is a measurement used in astronomy to describe the angle or degree at which the sun is positioned above the horizon during the day. It is calculated from 0 degrees at sunrise and sunset, reaching its maximum at local noon. The exact altitude of the sun varies depending on the time of year and the geographical location of the observer. This measurement is important for various fields such as meteorology, navigation, and solar energy production.

Example Calculation

Let's assume the following values:

Latitude (\(\phi\)) = 35 degrees
Declination (\(\delta\)) = 23.5 degrees

Using the formula:

\[ A = 90 - (35 - 23.5) = 90 - 11.5 = 78.5 \text{ degrees} \]

The Sun Altitude is 78.5 degrees.