Sun Calculator
Calculate sunrise, sunset, solar noon, and day length for any location and date.
Time Definitions
- • Civil Dawn: Sun 6° below horizon - enough light to see outdoors
- • Sunrise: Top of sun appears above horizon
- • Solar Noon: Sun at highest point in sky
- • Sunset: Top of sun disappears below horizon
- • Civil Dusk: Sun 6° below horizon - last outdoor light
Geocaching Tips
- • Some caches require visiting at specific sun times
- • Shadow puzzles need to know when the sun is in position
- • Sundial caches work best at solar noon
- • Plan night caches for after civil dusk
About Sun Calculations
This tool calculates sunrise, sunset, and other sun-related times for any location and date. The calculations account for the Earth's tilt, orbital position, and geographic location.
Sun Times Explained
Civil Twilight
Civil twilight occurs when the sun is between 0° and 6° below the horizon. There's enough light for most outdoor activities without artificial lighting.
Solar Noon
Solar noon is when the sun reaches its highest point in the sky for that location. This is not always 12:00 PM due to time zones and the equation of time.
Day Length
Day length varies throughout the year due to Earth's tilted axis. It's longest at the summer solstice and shortest at the winter solstice.
Sun Calculator in Geocaching
Sun times are useful for geocaching in several ways:
- Shadow puzzles: Require the sun at specific angles
- Sundial caches: Work at solar noon
- Time-based puzzles: "Visit when the shadow touches X"
- Night caches: Plan arrival for after dusk
- Safety planning: Know how much daylight you have
Accuracy Note
This calculator provides approximate times. Actual times may vary by a few minutes due to atmospheric refraction, observer elevation, and other factors. For critical applications, consult a professional astronomical source.