Calculate zenith distance given latitude and time of year?

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SUMMARY

The zenith distance at noon for a location at 40° North latitude on December 22 (winter solstice) can be calculated using the angle between the sun and the zenith. During the winter solstice, the sun is at its lowest point in the sky, resulting in a greater zenith distance. The calculations confirm that the angle is indeed larger due to the tilt of the Earth's axis, which affects solar positioning.

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Homework Statement



Calculate the zenith distance at noon in a location whose latitude is 40° North on Dec 22 (winter solstice)2. Homework Equations + information

I know the zenith distance is the angle between the sun and the zenith, and that during the winter solstice the northern hemisphere is "farther" (By this I mean the angle is greater) away.

The Attempt at a Solution


See diagram:
U3AgpGs.png


Just want to know if I did this correctly. Thanks
 
Last edited:
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Hello EzrealAsItGets. Welcome to physics forums.

Your solution looks good to me!
 

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