Sun Position Calculator Google Maps

This sun position calculator integrates with Google Maps to help you determine the sun's azimuth and altitude angles at any location and time. Whether you're planning solar installations, photography, or outdoor activities, understanding the sun's position is essential.

What is Sun Position?

The sun's position in the sky is defined by two key parameters: azimuth and altitude. These measurements help determine the sun's direction and height above the horizon.

Azimuth is the angle of the sun measured clockwise from true north. It ranges from 0° to 360°, with 0° being north, 90° east, 180° south, and 270° west.

Altitude is the angle of the sun above the horizon, measured from 0° (on the horizon) to 90° (directly overhead).

Note: The sun's position changes throughout the day and varies with the seasons due to Earth's axial tilt and orbital motion.

How to Use This Calculator

Enter the location coordinates (latitude and longitude) or use the Google Maps integration to select a location.
Select the date and time for which you want to calculate the sun's position.
Click "Calculate" to see the sun's azimuth and altitude angles.
Review the results and use the chart to visualize the sun's path throughout the day.

Formula Used

The sun's position is calculated using the following formulas:

Julian Day Number (JDN) = 367 × year - floor((7 × (year + floor((month + 9) / 12))) / 4) + floor(275 × month / 9) + day + 1721013.5 + (hour + minute / 60) / 24 - 0.5 × timezone / 15 - 0.01

Solar Declination (δ) = 23.45 × sin(360 × (284 + JDN) / 365)

Hour Angle (H) = 15 × (hour + minute / 60 - 12) - longitude

Solar Altitude (h) = arcsin(sin(latitude) × sin(δ) + cos(latitude) × cos(δ) × cos(H))

Solar Azimuth (A) = arctan2(sin(H), cos(H) × sin(latitude) - tan(δ) × cos(latitude)) × 180 / π

These formulas account for the Earth's axial tilt and orbital motion to provide accurate sun position calculations.

Example Calculation

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

Parameter	Value
Latitude	40.7128° N
Longitude	74.0060° W
Date	June 21, 2023
Time	12:00 PM
Solar Altitude	68.7°
Solar Azimuth	180.0° (South)

At this time, the sun is directly overhead in New York City, providing maximum solar energy.

Frequently Asked Questions

How accurate is this sun position calculator?

This calculator uses standard astronomical formulas to provide accurate sun position calculations. However, minor variations may occur due to atmospheric refraction and local terrain.

Can I use this calculator for any location?

Yes, you can enter any latitude and longitude coordinates to calculate the sun's position for that location.

How does the sun's position affect solar energy production?

The sun's altitude and azimuth angles determine the angle at which solar panels receive sunlight. Higher altitudes and optimal azimuth angles maximize energy production.