1. What is a Summer Solstice Daylight Hours Calculator?

Definition: This calculator estimates the number of daylight hours during the summer solstice based on geographic latitude.

Purpose: It helps astronomers, geographers, and curious individuals understand how latitude affects daylight duration on the longest day of the year.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• Hours — Daylight duration (hours)
• φ — Geographic latitude (degrees)
• 23.44° — Earth's axial tilt (summer solstice)

Explanation: The formula calculates the hour angle when the sun rises/sets, then converts this to daylight duration.

3. Importance of Daylight Hours Calculation

Details: Understanding daylight patterns helps in agriculture, urban planning, solar energy projects, and understanding seasonal variations.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter your latitude in degrees (-90 to 90). Positive for northern hemisphere, negative for southern hemisphere.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why 23.44 degrees in the formula?
A: This represents Earth's axial tilt relative to its orbital plane, which is maximum during solstices.

Q2: What results should I expect at extreme latitudes?
A: Near the poles (above 66.56°), you'll get 24 hours of daylight. Near the equator, about 12 hours.

Q3: Does this account for atmospheric refraction?
A: No, this is a theoretical calculation. Actual daylight may be slightly longer due to atmospheric effects.

Q4: How does this differ from winter solstice?
A: For winter solstice, use -23.44° instead. The formula would then calculate the shortest day's daylight.

Q5: What about other times of year?
A: The formula changes as Earth's axial tilt relative to the sun changes throughout the year.