solargeometry

Solargeometry is a field concerned with the geometric aspects of the Sun’s appearance and illumination relative to the Earth and other celestial bodies. In practice, it describes the position and angular relations of the Sun as seen from a given location and time, as well as the geometric consequences of sunlight on surfaces. The term is used in astronomy, solar energy engineering, and architectural design, though it is not always treated as a separate academic discipline.

Core concepts include the solar zenith angle (the angle between the Sun and the vertical), the solar elevation or altitude (the Sun’s height above the horizon), and the solar azimuth (the Sun’s compass direction along the horizon). The Sun’s apparent path depends on the observer’s latitude, the time of year (solar declination), and the hour angle (time since solar noon). Related quantities include the ecliptic plane and equatorial coordinates.

Computational methods involve solar position algorithms that compute the Sun’s coordinates for a given date, time, and location. Tools such as the NOAA Solar Calculator and related algorithms are used for precise calculations. Sun-path diagrams and shading analyses model how daylight and solar gain interact with buildings and landscapes.

Applications span optimizing solar panel orientation and tracking, enhancing daylighting in architecture, informing urban planning to manage solar access, and supporting climate modeling. While the term solargeometry appears in multiple contexts, it often functions as a cross-disciplinary component of astronomy, solar energy engineering, and architectural design rather than as a distinct standalone field.