Length Of Daylight Calculator

Daylight Hours Formula:

\[ \text{Daylight Hours} = \frac{24}{365} \times (365 - 2 \times \text{Obliquity Factor}) \]

Daylight Hours:

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1. What is the Length Of Daylight Calculator?

The Length Of Daylight Calculator estimates the number of daylight hours based on geographic latitude and the day of the year. It calculates the time between sunrise and sunset using astronomical formulas.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the daylight hours formula:

\[ \text{Daylight Hours} = \frac{24}{365} \times (365 - 2 \times \text{Obliquity Factor}) \]

Where:

\( \text{Latitude} \) — Geographic latitude in degrees (-90 to 90)
\( \text{Day of Year} \) — Day number from 1 to 366
\( \text{Obliquity Factor} \) — Factor based on Earth's axial tilt
\( \text{Hour Angle} \) — Calculated from latitude and solar declination

Explanation: The calculation considers the Earth's axial tilt (23.45°) and its elliptical orbit around the sun to determine the duration of daylight.

3. Importance of Daylight Calculation

Details: Accurate daylight calculation is crucial for agriculture, solar energy planning, outdoor activities, and understanding seasonal variations in different geographic locations.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter latitude in degrees (-90 to 90) and day of year (1-366). Latitude represents your geographic position, while day of year indicates the specific date in the annual cycle.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why does daylight length vary throughout the year?
A: Daylight length varies due to Earth's 23.45° axial tilt and its elliptical orbit around the sun, causing seasonal changes in solar exposure.

Q2: What are the maximum and minimum daylight hours?
A: At the equator, daylight is nearly constant at 12 hours. At the poles, it ranges from 0 to 24 hours depending on the season.

Q3: How accurate is this calculator?
A: The calculator provides theoretical values based on astronomical formulas. Actual daylight may vary slightly due to atmospheric conditions and local topography.

Q4: Does daylight saving time affect the calculation?
A: No, this calculator provides the actual astronomical daylight duration, independent of time zone adjustments or daylight saving time.

Q5: Why is latitude important for daylight calculation?
A: Latitude determines how the sun's path changes throughout the year, affecting both the duration and angle of sunlight received.