The sun at midnight from North Pole

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the position of the sun at midnight from the North Pole during the summer solstice, exploring the calculations and considerations involved in determining the sun's altitude at that time.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant asks about the sun's altitude at midnight on the summer solstice from the North Pole.
  • Another participant inquires whether the effects of atmospheric refraction should be considered in the calculations.
  • A subsequent reply clarifies that the calculations should be made without considering atmospheric refraction.
  • Further questions are posed regarding the understanding of calculating the angle at noon on the summer solstice and the desired level of accuracy for the calculations.
  • A suggestion is made to draw a diagram illustrating the Earth's position at the summer solstice, including key elements such as the Earth's axis, the equator, the Tropic of Cancer, and light rays, to aid in visualizing the geometry of the situation.
  • It is noted that at the North Pole, the declination equals altitude at all times, and the concept of time (Universal Time) is mentioned as irrelevant to the calculation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants have not reached a consensus on the calculation method or the importance of atmospheric refraction, indicating that multiple views remain in the discussion.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved aspects regarding the assumptions made in the calculations, particularly concerning the effects of refraction and the accuracy of the proposed methods.

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From the north pole, how high is the sun @ midnight on the summer solstice ?

Thanks
 
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With or without considering the effects of refraction of the atmosphere?
 
DEvens said:
With or without considering the effects of refraction of the atmosphere?
without
 
Two more questions:
- do you already understand how to calculate the angle at noon on summer solstice?
- what level of accuracy are you aiming for?
 
I suggest drawing a diagram that shows the Earth at summer solstice, including:
  • the Earth's axis, tilted with respect to the vertical at the angle of inclination, towards the sun (assumed to be off to the side, horizontally)
  • the equator
  • the Tropic of Cancer
  • two parallel horizontal light rays, striking the Earth at the T of C and at the North Pole
  • a line tangent to the Earth's surface, indicating the horizon at the North Pole
If you draw the diagram correctly, the geometry of the situation should give you your answer quickly.
 
The time at the North Pole is Universal Time, but this doesn't matter at all. Here declination = altitude all of the time. Even if you were standing on a spinning disk platform going any speed, it wouldn't matter.
 

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