Solhöjder

Solhöjder, often translated as "sun heights" or "solar altitudes," refers to the angle between the horizon and the Sun in the sky. This angle varies throughout the day and across the seasons, depending on the observer's latitude and the time of year. At solar noon, when the Sun reaches its highest point in the sky, the solhöjd is at its maximum for that particular day. This maximum solhöjd is also higher in the summer months and lower in the winter months.

The solhöjd is a fundamental concept in astronomy and has practical applications in various fields. In navigation, it was historically used to determine latitude. In architecture and urban planning, understanding solhöjd is crucial for designing buildings that optimize sunlight exposure for heating and lighting, or for mitigating excessive solar gain. For instance, the angle of a roof or the placement of windows can be determined based on the expected solhöjd at different times of the year.

The calculation of solhöjd involves astronomical formulas that take into account the Earth's tilt, its orbit around the Sun, and the observer's geographic location. It is a key factor in determining the intensity and duration of sunlight received at a particular place. A higher solhöjd generally means more direct sunlight and greater heat. Conversely, a lower solhöjd results in less direct sunlight and cooler temperatures, which is why winters are colder. The solhöjd is also important for astronomical observations, as it affects atmospheric refraction and the apparent position of celestial objects.