Knowing where the sun sits in the sky is valuable for a variety of disciplines. Homeowners installing solar panels want to angle them for maximum exposure. Photographers plan shoots around golden hour when the sun's angle creates soft, warm light. Architects consider seasonal sun paths when designing windows and shading. Even gardeners pay attention to the sun's arc to ensure plants receive enough light. This calculator lets you explore how the sun’s azimuth and elevation change throughout the year for any location on Earth.
The sun's apparent position is determined by Earth's rotation and its orbit around the sun. At a given moment, the sun's coordinates can be expressed as azimuth—the compass direction from due north—and elevation, which measures how many degrees the sun is above the horizon. Our calculator uses well‑known astronomical formulas derived from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's solar calculations. These equations account for Earth's axial tilt and the eccentricity of its orbit, providing an accurate estimate of solar coordinates for everyday purposes.
Latitude and longitude specify your location. Positive latitudes indicate the Northern Hemisphere, while negative values represent the Southern Hemisphere. Likewise, positive longitudes are east of the Prime Meridian and negative longitudes are west. The date and time field lets you choose any moment, past or future. The time is interpreted as local time for the browser, so be sure your device clock and time zone are correct. For best accuracy, enter coordinates with at least a few decimal places and use official time zone offsets when researching faraway places.
Imagine you are planning to install rooftop solar panels in Phoenix, Arizona. You want to know the sun's position at noon on June 21st, the summer solstice, when sunlight is most intense. Enter Phoenix's latitude of about 33.45° and longitude of -112.07°. Set the date and time to 2025‑06‑21 at 12:00. The calculator reveals an elevation of roughly 80° and an azimuth pointing close to due south. This confirms that a steep tilt is unnecessary for maximum midday exposure in summer, although the angle will change throughout the year.
Azimuth values range from 0° to 360°. North is 0°, east is 90°, south is 180°, and west is 270°. Elevation ranges from ‑90°—meaning the sun is directly below the horizon—to 90°, when the sun is straight overhead. At sunrise, the elevation is 0°, increasing until solar noon, then decreasing to sunset. If the calculator shows a negative elevation, it means the sun is below the horizon at that time and location, so you would see darkness or twilight instead of direct sunlight.
For homeowners and businesses investing in solar panels, understanding solar position guides panel placement and tilt. Panels produce the most energy when sunlight hits them directly. By examining the sun's elevation at various times of year, you can select an angle that maximizes output during peak seasons or balances production year‑round. Some advanced systems even adjust panel angles dynamically based on the sun's position throughout the day.
Light is everything in visual arts. Photographers track the sun's angle to plan outdoor sessions, ensuring the desired lighting effect. During golden hour, the sun is low on the horizon, casting long shadows and producing a warm glow. Knowing the exact moment of sunrise and sunset helps cinematographers capture scenes with consistent lighting across multiple days of shooting. This calculator provides the precise angles needed to anticipate how light will behave at any moment.
Students learning about Earth’s motion can use this tool to see how the sun’s path changes with the seasons. Observatories schedule solar observations based on the sun’s elevation, while amateur astronomers use it to plan events like transits or eclipses. Seeing the numbers shift as you adjust the date and time provides a tangible sense of how our planet moves through space and how that motion influences the daily cycle of light and dark.
To get the most from the calculator, verify that your device's clock and time zone are correct. When researching distant locations, remember that local daylight saving time rules may shift the clock forward or back. If you notice the sun rising or setting earlier than predicted, double-check the time zone conversion. For extremely precise applications—such as aligning professional telescopes—specialized software or instruments may be required, but for most planning purposes this tool offers more than enough accuracy.
The Solar Position Calculator puts helpful astronomical data at your fingertips. By entering a location and time, you can see exactly where the sun will be in the sky. Whether you are optimizing solar panels, organizing a photo shoot, or simply curious about the sun’s path across the seasons, understanding azimuth and elevation empowers you to make informed decisions. Keep this calculator handy whenever you need a quick reference for the sun’s whereabouts.
Calculate your life insurance needs with our easy-to-use calculator. Enter your annual income, debts, and future expenses to find the right coverage amount.
Estimate your points for New Zealand's Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa using our updated 2024 points calculator. Check your qualification, income, or registration points and add work experience to see if you meet the minimum threshold.
Convert Unix timestamps to readable dates and convert dates back to epoch seconds with this easy Unix Timestamp Converter for developers.