Knowing the sun’s position is crucial for solar panel installation, photography, and even gardening. Our calculator computes the sun’s elevation (height above the horizon) and azimuth (direction along the horizon) for any location and time.
Here’s how to use it:
- Step 1: Enter your Location.
- Input your Latitude and Longitude in decimal degrees. Positive latitude is the Northern Hemisphere, and negative longitude is the Western Hemisphere.
- Example: For Los Angeles, you would enter 34.05 for latitude and -118.24 for longitude.
- Step 2: Set the Date and Time.
- Pick a date and enter a time using the 24-hour format. The calculator automatically uses your computer’s local timezone.
- Step 3: Calculate.
- Click the “Calculate Sun Position” button. The result will show the sun’s elevation and azimuth in degrees.
Sun Angle Calculator
Enter values and click Calculate
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between elevation and azimuth?
Think of the sky as a dome.
- Elevation (or Altitude) is the sun’s vertical angle, measured from the horizon. 0° means the sun is at the horizon (sunrise/sunset), and 90° would be directly overhead.
- Azimuth is the sun’s horizontal angle, or compass direction. It is typically measured clockwise from true north. An azimuth of 0° is North, 90° is East, 180° is South, and 270° is West.
Why are latitude and longitude important?
The sun’s apparent path across the sky changes dramatically depending on your location on Earth. At the equator, the sun passes nearly overhead, while near the poles, it stays low to the horizon. Your specific coordinates are required to calculate these angles accurately for any given moment.
Does this calculator account for my timezone?
Yes. The calculation uses the date and time you input and automatically determines your local timezone offset from your browser settings. This offset is used to calculate the correct Solar Time, which is essential for determining the sun’s hour angle. You do not need to convert your local time to UTC or any other standard.