Altitude and Azimuth of the Sun on the Summer Solstice at the Tropic of Cancer

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the altitude and azimuth of the Sun during the Summer Solstice at the Tropic of Cancer. Participants explore the relationship between altitude and latitude, particularly in the context of celestial navigation and astronomy concepts.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses confusion about the relationship between altitude and latitude, citing a teacher's claim that they are always equal.
  • Another participant clarifies that while altitude can vary, latitude remains constant, and they highlight the North Celestial Pole as a point where altitude equals latitude.
  • There is a suggestion that the initial answer provided by the first participant is incorrect, as it would imply the Sun sets in the north at noon for an observer at the equator.
  • A later reply states that during the Summer Solstice at High Noon, the Sun would be directly overhead at the Tropic of Cancer, suggesting an altitude of 90 degrees.
  • One participant reflects on their decision-making during a test, indicating uncertainty about changing their answer despite believing it might be incorrect.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the correct altitude and azimuth values, with some asserting that the Sun is directly overhead at the Tropic of Cancer while others question the initial claims made regarding altitude and latitude.

Contextual Notes

There is a lack of clarity regarding the definitions and assumptions related to altitude and azimuth, as well as the implications of celestial navigation principles. The discussion does not resolve these uncertainties.

Commodore
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This question was recently on a test for our Astronomy Class. I was extremely confused by the question and the logic because my teacher had told us as a class that altitude was always equal to latitude. So please clarify.

If it is the Summer Solstice and I am standing at the Tropic of Cancer at High Noon facing south, what is the the altitude and azimuth of the sun?

I put (23°, 26", 21' Altitude, 0° Azimuth) as my answer.
 
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Commodore said:
my teacher had told us as a class that altitude was always equal to latitude.

Did you teacher also mention anything about the North Celestial Pole (NCP) while talking about the altitude being equal to the latitude?

The altitude of a celestial object is a continually varying quantity, but the latitude of an observer is not so. Therefore, generally, they are not equal. But there is one point in the sky, that is always at an altitude that is equal to the latitude of the observer, and it is the NCP.

If it is the Summer Solstice and I am standing at the Tropic of Cancer at High Noon facing south, what is the the altitude and azimuth of the sun?

I put (23°, 26", 21' Altitude, 0° Azimuth) as my answer.
That's not right. If that were true, then for someone at the equator (along the same line of longitude) the Sun would be "setting" in the North, at noon! The (northern) summer solstice and the Tropic of Cancer have a rather special connection.
 
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Thank you! I kind of figured I got it wrong, but I was still hoping.
 
:)
During the summer solstice, at high noon, the Sun would be directly overhead for someone standing at the ToCnc. Alt:90deg.
 
Yeah, when the proctor called out one minute remaining, I went to change my answer to that and I just thought, "You know if you change it and its wrong you'll never forgive yourself." So I didn't. Now, I can't forgive myself for not.
 

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