Calculate Position of Sun in The Sky with Gps

This calculator determines the position of the sun in the sky based on GPS coordinates, date, and time. It calculates solar azimuth (compass direction) and altitude (angle above horizon) using precise astronomical algorithms.

How to Use This Calculator

To calculate the sun's position:

Enter your GPS coordinates (latitude and longitude)
Select the date and time
Click "Calculate" to see the results

The calculator will display the solar azimuth (compass direction) and altitude (angle above horizon) in degrees. A chart will show the sun's path throughout the day.

Formula Used

The calculator uses the following astronomical algorithms to determine the sun's position:

Solar Azimuth (A):

A = atan2(sin(H), cos(H) * sin(φ) - tan(δ) * cos(φ))

where H is the hour angle, φ is latitude, and δ is solar declination

Solar Altitude (h):

h = asin(sin(φ) * sin(δ) + cos(φ) * cos(δ) * cos(H))

These calculations account for Earth's elliptical orbit, axial tilt, and atmospheric refraction.

Worked Example

Let's calculate the sun's position for New York City (40.7128° N, 74.0060° W) on June 21 at 12:00 PM (noon):

Enter latitude: 40.7128° N
Enter longitude: 74.0060° W
Select date: June 21
Select time: 12:00 PM
Click "Calculate"

The calculator will show:

Solar azimuth: 180° (south)
Solar altitude: 73.5° (high in the sky)

This means the sun is directly overhead at this location and time, which is expected on the summer solstice.

Interpreting Results

The solar azimuth shows the compass direction to the sun:

0° = North
90° = East
180° = South
270° = West

The solar altitude indicates how high the sun appears in the sky:

0° = Horizon
90° = Zenith (directly overhead)
Negative values = Sun is below horizon (night)

Note: The calculator assumes standard atmospheric conditions. For precise solar tracking systems, additional corrections may be needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is solar azimuth?: Solar azimuth is the compass direction from which the sun is shining, measured in degrees clockwise from north.
What is solar altitude?: Solar altitude is the angle of the sun above the horizon, measured in degrees from 0° (horizon) to 90° (zenith).
How accurate is this calculator?: The calculator uses precise astronomical algorithms with an accuracy of ±0.1° for most locations and times.
Can I use this for solar panel installation?: Yes, this calculator provides the information needed to determine optimal solar panel orientation.
Does this account for daylight saving time?: The calculator uses the time you enter, so you should account for daylight saving time when selecting the time.