Calculate what distance the sunset moves

  • Context: High School 
  • Thread starter Thread starter jtaravens
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the movement of the sunset position throughout the seasons, specifically in Maryland, as the original poster seeks to determine the optimal location for planting a shade tree that will effectively block sunlight in both early spring and late summer.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • The original poster, John, inquires about the relative positions of the sunset in April and September, suggesting that the sunset in April is more to the left and in September more to the right.
  • One participant notes that around the equinoxes (March 21st and September 21st), the sunset should be due West, and that it moves further north (to the right) until mid-June.
  • John acknowledges understanding the northward movement of the sunset and expresses appreciation for the clarification regarding mid-June.
  • Another participant provides specific sunset azimuth angles for June 21 (300 degrees) and December 21 (239 degrees), advising John to reference true north rather than magnetic north when checking sight lines.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the concept of the sunset moving northward after the equinoxes, but there is no explicit consensus on the exact calculations or implications for John's tree planting.

Contextual Notes

There are assumptions regarding the definitions of sunset positions and azimuth angles, as well as the reliance on specific geographic locations (e.g., Maryland, DC) that may affect the accuracy of the sunset calculations.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in astronomy, gardening, or those planning outdoor spaces that require consideration of sunlight patterns throughout the year may find this discussion relevant.

jtaravens
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Hi,
The reason I'm asking this is because I am planting a shade tree and I want the location to be correct for both early spring and late summer.

I am in Maryland (East Coast USA). The sun sets to the west.

If I compare the location of the sunset in April to the sunset in September am I correct in the sunset in April being more to the left and the sunset in September being more to the right?

Does anyone have any way to calculate what distance the sunset moves during the seasons? I want to plant my tree now but I also want the tree top to be useful in blocking the sun in late summer too.

Thoughts? Comments?

John
 
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Hi John! :smile:

Sunset about March 21st and September 21st should both be due West.

From there to mid-June, sunset gets further north (ie to the right). :wink:
 


thanks! I managed to figure out that it moves north but I'm glad you added the mid-june thing on top of the equinoxes. Now it makes sense!

John
 


I can help you out with a planetarium program (Starry Night):

Using DC as the location...
The sun sets at an azmuth of 300 degrees on June 21.
The sun sets at an azmuth of 239 degrees on December 21.

When you check your sight lines, make sure you are referencing true north, not magnetic: The variation for you is -11 degrees (true north is to the right of magnetic).
 

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