subsolarpiste

The subsolar point is the point on the surface of a planet or moon where the Sun is directly overhead. At the subsolar point, the Sun's rays strike the surface at a 90-degree angle, meaning the Sun is at the zenith. This is the location that receives the maximum solar irradiance. The subsolar point is constantly shifting across the celestial body's surface due to its rotation and its orbital motion around another body. For Earth, the subsolar point traces a path from the Tropic of Cancer during the June solstice to the Tropic of Capricorn during the December solstice, and passes through the Equator during the equinoxes. Understanding the subsolar point is crucial for various scientific applications, including climate modeling, satellite orbit calculations, and the design of solar power systems. It helps determine the intensity of solar radiation received at different locations and times, influencing temperature, weather patterns, and energy generation potential.