Solar celestial position (as function of latt, long, time of day, date, )

In summary, Labguy is looking for a way to predict the sun's (moon's) position in the sky at any given time/any given place. He has found some basic resources, but is looking for an offline solution. He is also considering learning celestial navigation.
  • #1
Antimatter
26
0
Hi, people!
I'm looking for a way to predict the sun's (moon's) position in the sky at any given time/any given place. Equations would be great, maple worksheets aswell; links, estimates, tables, whatever.
Would be used as (rough) backup for the backup of the navigation instruments during France -> Arctic Circle trek.
Thx for reading; many thanks for any replies already :)
Greetings



Sincere apologies if this was already posted elsewhere (and I suspect it is), didn't have any luck digging it up...
 
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  • #2
Antimatter said:
Hi, people!
I'm looking for a way to predict the sun's (moon's) position in the sky at any given time/any given place. Equations would be great, maple worksheets aswell; links, estimates, tables, whatever.
Would be used as (rough) backup for the backup of the navigation instruments during France -> Arctic Circle trek.
Thx for reading; many thanks for any replies already :)
Greetings



Sincere apologies if this was already posted elsewhere (and I suspect it is), didn't have any luck digging it up...
Some of these might give a basic start:

http://www.heavens-above.com/main.asp?Session=kebgcddoaheglimdllbloook

http://aa.usno.navy.mil/data/

http://www.griffithobs.org/Skyinfo.html
 
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  • #3
Labguy said:
Some of these might give a basic start:

http://www.heavens-above.com/main.asp?Session=kebgcddoaheglimdllbloook

http://aa.usno.navy.mil/data/

http://www.griffithobs.org/Skyinfo.html
Thanx, Labguy! I'm exploring all routes starting from what you gave me.
Thing is, I'm going to need an offline solution; not easy to find :(
 
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  • #4
Antimatter said:
tables
Look into learning real celestial navigation. The new way to do it uses computer software (maybe on pda by now...) to replace the tables. Essentially, you just type in the time and position of several objects and it tells you your lat and long.
 
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  • #5
The crude methods of prediction get really sloppy in the Arctic and Antarctic.
 
  • #7
pervect said:
What you want is an ephermis. You might try

http://www.alcyone-ephemeris.info/

I really don't know for sure how well it works, but it's cheap (i.e. free).
HOLY ****

Looks like I owe you a beer :smile:
Thanks a lot!
 

1. What is the best time of day to observe the solar celestial position?

The best time of day to observe the solar celestial position is during solar noon, which is when the sun reaches its highest point in the sky. This typically occurs around 12pm local time, but it can vary slightly depending on your location.

2. How does the latitude and longitude affect the solar celestial position?

The latitude and longitude of a location play a significant role in determining the solar celestial position. The latitude determines the angle at which the sun's rays hit the Earth, while the longitude can affect the length of daylight hours due to the Earth's rotation.

3. How does the date impact the solar celestial position?

The date can affect the solar celestial position because the Earth's orbit around the sun is not a perfect circle. This means that the distance between the Earth and the sun can vary slightly throughout the year, causing slight changes in the position of the sun in the sky.

4. What is the significance of the solar celestial position?

The solar celestial position is important for many reasons. It helps us track the Earth's rotation and orbit around the sun, determine the length of daylight hours, and understand the changing seasons.

5. Can the solar celestial position be calculated accurately?

Yes, the solar celestial position can be calculated accurately using sophisticated mathematical models and precise measurements of time, location, and date. However, there may be slight variations due to factors such as atmospheric conditions or the Earth's irregular orbit around the sun.

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