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solar angle flagstaff az june 20th 2025

solar angle flagstaff az june 20th 2025

2 min read 27-11-2024
solar angle flagstaff az june 20th 2025

Determining the solar angle for Flagstaff, Arizona on June 20th, 2025 requires specialized tools or calculations, as it varies throughout the day. This article will guide you through how to find this information and understand the factors influencing it.

Understanding Solar Angles

The solar angle is the altitude (height above the horizon) and azimuth (compass direction) of the sun at a specific location and time. It's crucial for various applications, including solar energy system design, architectural planning, and even photography. The angle changes constantly due to the Earth's rotation and orbit around the sun.

Factors Affecting Solar Angle

Several factors influence the solar angle:

  • Date: The Earth's tilt on its axis causes the sun's position to change throughout the year. June 20th is near the summer solstice, meaning the sun's highest point in the sky will be at its maximum for the year in the Northern Hemisphere.

  • Time of Day: The sun's position changes throughout the day, rising in the east and setting in the west.

  • Location (Latitude and Longitude): Flagstaff's latitude and longitude directly impact the sun's path across the sky. Flagstaff's higher latitude results in a lower maximum solar altitude compared to locations closer to the equator.

  • Atmospheric Conditions: Clouds and atmospheric haze can affect the amount of sunlight reaching the surface, even if the calculated solar angle is high.

Finding the Solar Angle for Flagstaff on June 20th, 2025

Precise calculation of the solar angle requires using astronomical algorithms or specialized software. There are several resources available:

  • Online Solar Calculators: Numerous free online calculators can determine the solar angle for a given location, date, and time. Search for "solar angle calculator" to find several options. You'll need to input Flagstaff, AZ's coordinates (approximately 35.19° N, 111.65° W) and the desired time.

  • Solar Irradiance Software: More sophisticated software packages used by engineers and architects provide detailed solar data, including solar angles, throughout the day and year. These programs often include tools for 3D modeling and solar energy system design.

  • Astronomical Software: Astronomy software packages can also calculate solar positions with high precision.

Important Note: When using any calculator or software, ensure you are using the correct date (June 20th, 2025) and the specific time you are interested in. The solar angle will differ significantly throughout the day.

Typical Solar Angle in Flagstaff Around June 20th

While precise figures require calculation, we can expect the sun to reach its highest point (solar noon) around 1:00 PM MST (Mountain Standard Time) on June 20th, 2025. The solar altitude at solar noon will be considerably high due to Flagstaff's latitude and the proximity to the summer solstice. However, the exact angle will still depend on atmospheric conditions.

Using the Solar Angle Information

Understanding the solar angle is beneficial for various purposes:

  • Solar Panel Installation: Optimizing solar panel placement based on the solar angle maximizes energy production. Facing the panels towards the optimal azimuth and tilting them to match the altitude angle improves efficiency.

  • Building Design: Architects use solar angle information to design buildings that maximize natural daylight and minimize solar heat gain. Proper window placement and shading strategies are crucial.

  • Photography: Knowing the sun's position helps photographers plan their shoots, especially when dealing with shadows and lighting.

  • Agriculture: Understanding solar angles aids in optimizing crop planting and irrigation schedules.

Remember to utilize the resources mentioned above to get the precise solar angle for Flagstaff, AZ on June 20th, 2025 at your specific time of interest. This data will provide you with accurate information for your needs.

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