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Solar Time Formula:
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Solar time calculation determines the position of the sun relative to a specific location on Earth. It's used to calculate sunrise, sunset, and solar noon times based on local coordinates and date.
The calculator uses the solar time formula:
Where:
Explanation: Solar noon is calculated directly from solar time, and sunrise/sunset times are approximated by adding/subtracting 12 hours from solar noon.
Details: Accurate solar time calculation is essential for astronomy, navigation, solar energy system design, agricultural planning, and determining prayer times in various religions.
Tips: Enter Local Solar Time in hours, Equation of Time in minutes, and Longitude Correction in minutes. The calculator will provide solar time and solar noon. For sunrise and sunset, add/subtract approximately 12 hours from solar noon.
Q1: What is Equation of Time?
A: Equation of Time accounts for the difference between apparent solar time and mean solar time due to Earth's elliptical orbit and axial tilt.
Q2: How is Longitude Correction calculated?
A: Longitude Correction adjusts for the difference between local longitude and the standard meridian of the time zone (4 minutes per degree of longitude).
Q3: Why add/subtract 12 hours for sunrise/sunset?
A: Solar noon represents midday when the sun is highest. Sunrise and sunset occur approximately 12 hours before and after solar noon respectively.
Q4: How accurate is this calculation?
A: This provides a good approximation. For precise calculations, additional factors like atmospheric refraction, elevation, and specific date should be considered.
Q5: Can this be used for any location?
A: Yes, but accuracy may vary near polar regions during certain seasons where sunrise/sunset calculations become more complex.