Measuring Sun Position with Protractor
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Freeman LawyerMeasuring Sun Position with Protractor
Uploaded by
Freeman LawyerSun Position Measurements Using a Protractor
(9/11/2016)
The basic protractor was purchased from Harbor Freight tools. The sun makes a shadow of each
round pipe that falls onto the white surface. When both shadows of the sun align, then the reading
is taken.
The following shows what it looks like, when both shadows of the sun are in alignment, and shown
as one bright circle, so the angle reading can be taken.
Typically, the measurement is made at solar noon, or close to it. This is when the sun is highest in
the sky, in your location.
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Sun Position Measurements Using a Protractor
(9/11/2016)
Construction
Two pipe nipples at 1.5” long by 3/8”. or 1/4” were used as shown. A glue gun was used to attach
the pipes, and wood spacers on the base. The wood spacer on the base, helps when the protractor
is taking a measurement at an angle to the surface, so that the black knob doesn’t hold the
protractor off the surface.
For the white reflective surface, anything will work that is white. A cut off portion of a plastic
bottle top, or a white plastic angle, or anything of similar shape that can be securely glued on.
Elevation Readings
The elevation of the sun measurement is when the sun is highest in the sky (called solar noon). At
your current location, this is compared to the results found by putting your location, time-date into
the following link. [Link] The measurement can be written
down to 0.1 of a degree if one wishes to estimate the fraction of a degree. Realizing the reading is
only good to about .5 degree.
A bubble level can be used to find a true vertical side of something that is south facing, possibly a
building that doesn’t move. This is used as the surface to measure the angle of the sun with
respect to the vertical. This is the complement (90-mesurment) of the elevation found in tables.
As an example one can use magnets on the side of a metal building, or container to assist with
vertical and horizontal alignment. The placement of these alignment stops can be determined
using a good bubble level. The vertical is used for elevation angle measurements to the sun at or
near solar noon. The horizontal is used for local azimuth readings when appropriate. The basic
reading is the sun’s elevation. That is what this unit is best used for measuring.
Elevation
at solar
Latitude -1hr -30 min -10 min noon +10 min +30 min +1hr
64 -1.21 -0.32 -0.04 31.3 -0.03 -0.28 -1.14
34 -3.2 -0.83 -0.09 61.3 -0.09 -0.84 -3.23
20 -6 -1.7 -0.2 75.3 -0.2 -1.72 -6.02
In reference to the table above, at high latitudes one can relax, and take the reading plus, or minus
30 minutes of solar noon. At low latitudes one must get the reading within plus or minus 10min of
solar noon. In between get the reading within plus or minus 15min of solar noon. Any reading can
be written down to the nearest 1/10 of a degree but is only accurate to plus or minus about 0.5
degree.
Well before the pole shift time, when the sun is available and wobbling is not noted, take daily
measurements to establish a base line of familiarity as to what to expect. Then watch for
deviations. If deviations from expected get to be more than one degree and are getting bigger over
several days then take note that something is happening out of the ordinary.
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Sun Position Measurements Using a Protractor
(9/11/2016)
Horizontal azimuth readings
Horizontal angle measurements can be taken at different times of the day. This can be compared
during the last days to see the slowing and possibly indicate when earth is slowing and stops
turning.
If tables or internet look up is not available, then compare azimuth angles to previous days at the
same, or near same times during the day. A table of approximate elevation and azimuth of the Sun
at solar max (transit time) can be printed out for a date range ahead of time by using the following
link. [Link] This table doesn’t change much from year to year
and is only good to the nearest degree.
Horizontal or azimuth measurements of the sun have a marginal usefulness. Because these
measurements are enviably not taken in the exact same plane as the ecliptic then the theoretical .25
degree/min rotation becomes something less. Thus this does not become that useful for accurate
time determination based on the suns angle.
If however two days are close together and a measurement is taken of the angle of the sun for one
day it will be reasonably accurate to assume that at the same time a few days latter it would be
close to that same reading for that same time of day. In this way one could use it in the last days to
measure rotation slowing and stopping.
Azimuth measurements are most accurate late or very early in the day and to a surface that is close
to being perpendicular to the sun. For example if solar max or noon is 12:00 pm then measure
azimuth at or near 6:00 am or 6:00 pm.
The rotation of the earth or azimuth angle at any given time of the day month to month doesn’t
change enough to make a difference when making horizontal angle measurements. This is usefully
to know near pole shift time.
Additional usefully links:
Glossary: [Link]
Solar System Live : [Link]
Degrees, Minutes, Seconds to Decimal Degrees Conversion Calculator
[Link]
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Common questions
Powered by AIA protractor-based device can be aligned correctly using a bubble level to ensure the device is vertically and horizontally aligned with reference surfaces, such as a south-facing wall or metal building. Magnets can assist with securing the device in place. Proper alignment is crucial to ensure accurate solar elevation measurements, particularly at solar noon .
Solar measurements can help assess changes in Earth's rotation by consistently recording azimuth angles at specific times over consecutive days. By analyzing these measurements for any significant trends or changes, such as an increase in deviation magnitude beyond expected thresholds, one can infer potential changes in rotational speed or axis tilt .
To construct a basic sun position measurement device using a protractor, key components include two pipe nipples (1.5” long by 3/8” or 1/4”), a glue gun to attach the pipes and wood spacers on the base, and a white reflective surface which can be cut from a plastic bottle top or any similar material securely glued on. This setup allows the user to align the shadows and measure the sun's angle, especially around solar noon .
To detect deviations in expected sun position measurements, it is suggested to establish a baseline of daily measurements when wobbles are not noted. Deviations over one degree that progressively increase over several days should trigger an alert, indicating something unusual is happening. This vigilant observation helps in identifying abnormal solar activity or changes .
The white reflective surface in sun position measurements is crucial as it enhances the visibility of the sun's shadow, allowing for precise alignment and accurate reading of the angle. The surface must be securely attached and should ideally form a clear backdrop that makes it easier to determine when the sun's shadow is properly aligned .
Horizontal or azimuth measurements are typically more accurate early or late in the day because the surface is closer to being perpendicular to the sun at these times. This angle maximizes the shadow's definition, which reduces error in measurement. Specifically, these measurements are best around times like 6:00 am or 6:00 pm if solar noon is around 12:00 pm .
Adjustments in measurement timing for sun positions vary by latitude. At high latitudes, one can measure plus or minus 30 minutes from solar noon, but at lower latitudes, measurements must be closer, within plus or minus 10 minutes, due to the sun's steeper path. Locations in between should aim for around plus or minus 15 minutes .
Azimuth measurements are considered of marginal usefulness for accurate time determination due to their inherent inaccuracies when not taken in the exact same plane as the ecliptic. This causes the theoretical .25 degree per minute rotation to be less, affecting precision. Despite this, azimuth measurements can still offer some utility near the poles or for identifying earth rotation changes over a short period .
Latitude significantly influences the required timing accuracy for sun position measurements at solar noon. At high latitudes, one can take measurements within plus or minus 30 minutes of solar noon, whereas at low latitudes, measurements must be within plus or minus 10 minutes, and for locations in between, within 15 minutes. This importance is due to the sun's path being more vertical at lower latitudes, requiring more precise timing for accurate angle readings .
Deviations in sun position measurements would indicate unusual activity if they exceed one degree and such differences increase over several days. This could suggest potential changes in Earth's rotation or other anomalies. Establishing a pattern with baseline data helps distinguish between normal fluctuations and significant deviations that warrant further investigation .