🌅 Sunrise and Sunset Calculator
Estimate sunrise and sunset times for any date and location. Uses the standard solar position algorithm. See dawn, sunrise, solar noon, sunset, and dusk times.
Estimate Sunrise and Sunset Times
This calculator estimates sunrise, sunset, solar noon, dawn, and dusk times for any location and date on Earth. It uses a well-established solar position algorithm based on the latitude, longitude, and date you provide, making it useful for photographers, hikers, event planners, and anyone who needs to know when the sun rises or sets.
How It Works
Enter your latitude and longitude (or select a preset city), choose a date, and select your time zone. The calculator computes the solar declination, the equation of time, and the hour angle of sunrise and sunset using standard astronomical formulas. Results include dawn (civil twilight begins), sunrise, solar noon, sunset, and dusk (civil twilight ends).
Common Uses
- Planning outdoor photography around golden hour
- Scheduling hikes or outdoor activities with enough daylight
- Knowing when to turn on outdoor lights or security systems
- Planning events that depend on daylight
Frequently Asked Questions
How accurate is the sunrise and sunset calculator?
The calculator uses a standard solar position algorithm that estimates sunrise and sunset to within one to two minutes for most locations. Actual times can vary slightly due to local terrain, atmospheric refraction, and elevation.
What is solar noon?
Solar noon is the moment when the sun reaches its highest point in the sky for your location. It is not necessarily 12:00 PM — it depends on your longitude within your time zone and can vary by up to 30 minutes from clock noon.
Does the calculator account for daylight saving time?
The times shown are in the local time zone you select. If the location observes daylight saving time on the date you select, the times will reflect that. The calculation itself is based on solar position, not clock adjustments.
Why are the sunrise and sunset times different from what my weather app shows?
Weather apps and official sources use precise ephemeris data and may account for local elevation, atmospheric conditions, and terrain. This calculator uses a mathematical approximation that is accurate for general planning but may differ by a minute or two.
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