Sun’s Path

1. Regents Alert***** Sun’s Path

2. To find out the date you must look at the position of sunrise and sunset. June 21- Northeast to Northwest. Dec. 21- Southeast to Southwest. March 21 & Sept 22- Due East to Due West. What Day is it??

4. To find out location you need to look at the altitude of the sun at Solar Noon. June 21 – Solar Noon directly overhead at 23 ½ North. (Tropic of Cancer) Dec. 21- Solar Noon directly overhead at 23 1/2 South. (Tropic of Capricorn) March 21 & Sept. 22- Solar Noon directly overhead at the equator. The sun is never directly overhead in NYS. Where am I??

5. On June 21st the sun will always be in the sky at the North Pole. On Dec 21st the sun will always be in the sky at the South Pole. What About the Poles?

6. Diagrams

7. Link 1 Link 2 Link 3 Link 4 Link 5 Links:

8. Equinox Dates: • 90º - Your present Latitude Summer Solstice: Equinox altitude + 23.5º Winter Solstice: Equinox altitude - 23.5º Calculating Noon Sun’s Altitude:

9. Get your bearings down (Where is South?) Use the date to determine direction of Sunrise (SE;E;NE) Use the date to determine direction of Sunset (SW;W;NW) Use your Latitude and date to calculate the correct altitude of the Sun at noon. Draw your arc by connecting these 3 points. Drawing Sun’s Path Review:

10. June 21st; 48°N

11. March 21st; Equator

12. December 21st; 60°N

13. September 23rd; Tropic of Cancer

14. June 21st; North Pole