What is Sun Position Calculator?

The Sun Position Calculator shows you exactly where the sun is in the sky based on your location and chosen date/time. It calculates the solar altitude (angle above the horizon) and azimuth (compass direction), useful for photography, solar panel placement, and architecture.

Inputs are latitude, longitude, date and time; outputs are the altitude (degrees above the horizon, negative when the sun is below), azimuth (compass bearing measured clockwise from north), plus sunrise, solar noon and sunset for the chosen date. The maths follow the SunCalc model used in astronomy apps.

How to use

1. Enter your latitude and longitude, or allow the tool to detect your location automatically via GPS.
2. Choose a date and time — or use the current moment — to see the sun's position at that instant.
3. Read the altitude (degrees above horizon) and azimuth (compass bearing) along with sunrise and sunset times.

When to use

• Picking shoot times: when will the sun sit roughly 20 degrees above the horizon for golden-hour light?
• Checking shading on a balcony or solar panel before buying or installing.
• Planning a hike or summit so you reach an east-facing peak before sunrise.

Result

A photographer in New York (40.71, -74.01) checks the sun position for December 21 at 3:00 PM and sees the altitude is 22.5 degrees and the azimuth is 222 degrees (southwest), perfect for planning golden-hour shots.

FAQ

How is azimuth measured here, 0 to 360 from north?

Yes. The calculator reports azimuth as a compass bearing measured clockwise from true north (0 degrees). 90 degrees is due east, 180 is south, 270 is west. A label like NE or SW is also shown for quick reading.

Why is the altitude sometimes negative?

A negative altitude means the sun is below the horizon at the chosen moment, i.e. it is night or twilight at that location. The tool labels this as Below horizon and still gives you the sunrise and sunset times for that date.

Does the time zone follow my computer or the latitude?

The date and time you enter are interpreted in your device's local time zone. If you want to check a place in a different zone, convert the moment to your local clock first, then enter the latitude and longitude of the remote spot.

How accurate are the sunrise and sunset times?

Within roughly one minute for sea-level horizons. Hills, mountains, and tall buildings on the actual horizon will shift the visible sunrise or sunset later or earlier; by default the calculator gives the geometric value, not the obstructed one. Enable the Atmospheric refraction toggle to apply the Bennett correction and see the apparent altitude that matches a real-world view.

Can I use this for solar panel tilt and azimuth?

It gives the sun's position so you can verify shading at specific times. For optimal panel tilt and azimuth across a year, also check solar-noon altitude on the summer and winter solstices to gauge seasonal range.

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