Table of Contents
- Definition
- Meaning
- Difference Between Solar Noon and Clock Noon
- Daily Variations
- Is Solar Noon Always at 12 PM?
Definition
Solar noon is the exact moment when the Sun is at its highest point in the sky. It is the point in time when the Sun is directly above the observer’s location. The opposite point in time is solar midnight, when the Sun is at its lowest point in the sky.
Meaning
Why is it called solar noon and not just noon? The term “noon” is commonly used to refer to the middle of the day, when the Sun is at its highest point in the sky. However, the exact time of solar noon varies depending on the day. For example, on the winter solstice, solar noon occurs at 11:43 AM in the Northern hemisphere, while on the summer solstice, it occurs at 12:49 PM.
Difference Between Solar Noon and Clock Noon
Clock noon is the time on a clock that reads 12:00 PM. This time is fixed and does not change throughout the year. However, solar noon is the exact moment when the Sun is at its highest point in the sky, which varies depending on the day and location.
Daily Variations
Solar noon is different every day due to the Earth’s rotation and the tilt of its axis. Earth takes 24 hours to make a full rotation and the tilt of its axis causes days to be longer during the summer and shorter during the winter. This is why solar noon occurs at different times throughout the year.
Is Solar Noon Always at 12 PM?
No, solar noon is not always at 12 PM. The exact time of solar noon varies depending on the day and location, and can occur at any time between 11 AM and 1 PM.