Sun Position Calculator
Find the sun's exact azimuth and elevation for any place and moment, see where shadows fall and how long they are, and visualise it on an interactive sky dome.
Shadow length = height / tan(elevation). Very low sun gives very long shadows — values under 0.5° elevation are hidden as unreliable.
Overhead view: the sun's bearing around the horizon circle, distance from centre = 90° − elevation.
Formula: NOAA solar equations: azimuth measured clockwise from true north, elevation above the ideal horizon (no terrain). Times you enter are interpreted in your browser's local time zone.
How to use this tool
Search a place or enter latitude/longitude.
Pick a date and time (interpreted in your browser's time zone).
Enter an object height to get shadow direction and length.
What people use this tool for
Where will the sun be over my garden at 15:00 in July?
Checking whether a new building will shade a solar panel at noon
How it's calculated
NOAA solar equations: declination and equation of time give true solar time, from which the hour angle yields elevation via the spherical law of sines and azimuth measured clockwise from true north. Shadow direction is azimuth + 180°, and shadow length = object height / tan(elevation). Below 0.5° elevation results are hidden as unreliable.
Related tools and resources
Frequently asked questions
What is solar azimuth?
The compass bearing of the sun measured clockwise from true north: 90° = east, 180° = south, 270° = west.
What is solar elevation?
The sun's angle above the ideal horizon in degrees: 0° at rise/set, 90° directly overhead.
How is shadow direction computed?
Shadows point exactly opposite the sun: shadow bearing = azimuth + 180°.
How accurate is the shadow length?
It assumes flat ground and the ideal horizon — good for planning, not for surveying.
Why is there no shadow at night?
With the sun below the horizon there is no direct sunlight, so no defined shadow.
What time zone do I enter?
The date/time picker uses your browser's local time zone; results convert it internally.
What does the sky dome show?
An overhead view: the sun's bearing around the horizon circle, with distance from the centre equal to 90° minus elevation.
Does it account for daylight saving?
Your browser handles the local-time conversion, so DST is reflected automatically.