Solar Noon: Complete Guide
What is solar noon?
Solar noon is the moment of the day when the sun reaches its highest point in the sky for a given location. At this instant, the sun crosses the local meridian and shadows are the shortest of the day.
Difference from civil noon
Civil noon (12:00 on the clock) rarely coincides with solar noon. The difference is due to three factors: the equation of time (Earth's elliptical orbit), geographic longitude within the time zone, and daylight saving time. In some cities, solar noon can occur up to 90 minutes before or after 12:00.
Why solar noon matters
- For photographers: the shortest shadows of the day occur near solar noon, ideal for aerial and architectural photography.
- For solar energy: solar panels produce maximum energy when the sun is at its highest point.
- For navigation: historically, solar noon was used to determine longitude at sea.