Earth Sun Geometry Introduction: The purpose of this lab is to explain the geogr
ID: 286482 • Letter: E
Question
Earth Sun Geometry Introduction: The purpose of this lab is to explain the geographic and seasonal variations in solar radiation receipt that is caused by earth-sun geometry. This exercise will allow you to examine how both latitude and season affect sun anglc Earth-Sun Relationships: The distance between the earth and the sun averages about 93 million miles. Because of this great distancc and the earth's relatively small size, it is reasonable to assume that the sun's rays travel to the earth in straight paths, The earth's axis of rotation is tilted 23.5 degrees from the perpendicular to the plane of the ecliptic-the plane on which the earth revolves around the sun. The seasons occur because this tilt is oriented n the same direction throughout the year with the North Pole always pointing towards the North Star, Polaris. Thus, the Northern Hemisphere is tilted toward the sun during it's summer months, and away from the sun during it's winter months. The image below shows how the sun's rays strike the earth on the Northern Hemisphere's Winter Solstice (the first day of winter). At solar noon on this date, the sun's rays are perpendicular to the earth's surface at 23.5 degrees south latitude (Tropic of Capricom). As we move away from this location the sun's rays strike the earth at progressively lower angles. Atmosphere Sun's ays Figurel. Sun's rays striking the earth on December 22.Explanation / Answer
Q.1. December 22:
Sun is directly overheaded at noon at 23.5oS latitude.
Location A: 23.5oS:
Difference in latitude = (23.5 - 23.5) = 0o.
Solar noon Sun angle = (90 - 0) = 90o.
Location B: 0o:
Difference in latitude = (23.5 - 0) = 23.5o.
Solar noon Sun angle = (90 - 23.5) = 66.5o.
Location C: 30oN:
Difference in latitude = (23.5 + 30) = 53.5o.
Solar noon Sun angle = (90 - 53.5) = 36.5o.
Location D: 66.5oN:
Difference in latitude = (23.5 + 66.5) = 90o.
Solar noon Sun angle = (90 - 90) = 0o.
Q.2. June 21:
Sun is directly overheaded at noon at 23.5oN latitude.
Location A: 23.5oS:
Difference in latitude = (23.5 + 23.5) = 47o.
Solar noon Sun angle = (90 - 47) = 43o.
Location B: 0o:
Difference in latitude = (23.5 - 0) = 23.5o.
Solar noon Sun angle = (90 - 23.5) = 66.5o.
Location C: 30oN:
Difference in latitude = (30 - 23.5) = 6.5o.
Solar noon Sun angle = (90 - 6.5) = 83.5o.
Location D: 66.5oN:
Difference in latitude = (66.5 - 23.5) = 43o.
Solar noon Sun angle = (90 - 43) = 47o.
Q.3. The date and the latitude on which the Sun is directly overheaded:
Q.4.
March 21
June 21
December 22
Today's date (8 February)
Your Birthday (25 January)
Event Date Latitude The March Equinox 21 March 0o The June Solstice 21 June 23.5oN The Perihelion January 3 - 5 23oS Your Birthday 25 January 20oS Today's Date 8 February 16oSRelated Questions
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