How To Calculate Azimuth Angle

Azimuth Angle Formula:

\[ \text{azimuth} = \arctan2\left(\sin(\text{hour\_angle}), \cos(\text{hour\_angle}) \times \sin(\text{lat}) - \tan(\text{dec}) \times \cos(\text{lat})\right) \]

Azimuth Angle:

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1. What is Azimuth Angle?

The azimuth angle is the compass direction from which sunlight is coming. In solar position calculations, it represents the horizontal angle between the sun and true north, measured clockwise from north.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the azimuth angle formula:

\[ \text{azimuth} = \arctan2\left(\sin(\text{hour\_angle}), \cos(\text{hour\_angle}) \times \sin(\text{lat}) - \tan(\text{dec}) \times \cos(\text{lat})\right) \]

Where:

\( \text{hour\_angle} \) — Hour angle in degrees
\( \text{lat} \) — Latitude in degrees
\( \text{dec} \) — Solar declination in degrees
\( \arctan2 \) — Two-argument arctangent function

Explanation: This formula calculates the compass direction of the sun based on the observer's location, time of day, and solar position.

3. Importance of Azimuth Calculation

Details: Azimuth angle is crucial for solar energy systems, architectural design, navigation, and astronomical observations. It helps determine optimal panel orientation and tracking systems.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter hour angle, latitude, and declination in degrees. The calculator will compute the azimuth angle measured clockwise from true north (0° = North, 90° = East, 180° = South, 270° = West).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is hour angle?
A: Hour angle is the angular distance between the sun and the local meridian, measured along the celestial equator.

Q2: How is declination determined?
A: Solar declination varies throughout the year due to Earth's axial tilt, ranging from approximately -23.45° to +23.45°.

Q3: What's the difference between true north and magnetic north?
A: True north is geographic north, while magnetic north is where compasses point. For precise solar calculations, true north should be used.

Q4: When is azimuth angle most useful?
A: Critical for solar panel installation, sundial design, photography lighting, and any application requiring knowledge of sun position.

Q5: Are there limitations to this calculation?
A: This formula assumes a spherical Earth model and may have slight inaccuracies due to atmospheric refraction and other factors.