Whether you’re a photographer planning a golden-hour shoot, a hiker wanting an early start, or simply someone who loves watching the sunrise, knowing the exact sunrise time and its position on the horizon can be incredibly useful. That’s where the Sunrise Position Calculator comes in. This intuitive tool allows users to determine the sunrise time and azimuth angle based on a specific date and geographic coordinates.
Sunrise Position Calculator
What is the Sunrise Position Calculator?
The Sunrise Position Calculator is a powerful web tool designed to provide:
- Sunrise time (in UTC)
- Azimuth angle at sunrise (i.e., the direction on the compass where the sun rises)
These results are based on the inputted latitude, longitude, and date. The azimuth is especially valuable for those interested in celestial navigation, solar panel placement, photography, or astronomy.
Key Features
- User-friendly interface
- Precise solar calculations
- Global coverage—works anywhere on Earth
- Supports historical and future dates
- Returns sunrise time in UTC
- Provides azimuth direction of sunrise
How to Use the Sunrise Calculator Tool
Step-by-step Instructions:
- Enter Latitude:
Input your location’s latitude (between -90° and 90°). North is positive, south is negative. - Enter Longitude:
Input your longitude (between -180° and 180°). East is positive, west is negative. - Select a Date:
Choose the specific date you want the sunrise data for. - Click “Calculate”:
The tool processes your inputs and displays:- The sunrise time (UTC)
- The azimuth at sunrise (angle in degrees)
- Reset if Needed:
Click the Reset button to clear all inputs and start again.
Example Use Case
Let’s walk through a real-world example:
- Latitude: 40.7128 (New York City)
- Longitude: -74.0060
- Date: June 21, 2025
After clicking Calculate, the tool might return:
- Sunrise Time: 09:24 UTC
- Azimuth at Sunrise: 61.7°
This means the sun will rise at 9:24 AM UTC, appearing roughly east-northeast on the compass.
Why Azimuth Matters
The azimuth angle is the compass direction from which the sunlight appears at sunrise:
- 0° = North
- 90° = East
- 180° = South
- 270° = West
This helps you pinpoint exactly where on the horizon the sun will rise—a huge advantage for planning scenic photos, solar panel alignment, or early-morning events.
Who Can Benefit from This Tool?
- Photographers (to time golden hour)
- Astronomy enthusiasts
- Hikers and campers
- Solar panel installers
- Fishermen and hunters
- Spiritual and wellness communities
- Event planners
- Educators and students
- Travelers
Behind the Scenes: How It Works
The calculator uses solar position algorithms and astronomical formulas to compute:
- Julian Dates (for accurate celestial positioning)
- Solar Mean Anomaly
- Equation of Center
- Solar Declination
- Hour Angle
- Sunrise Time in UTC
- Azimuth based on latitude and declination
These calculations rely on proven astronomical models such as those published by NASA and NOAA.
Advantages of Using This Tool
- ✅ No downloads or installation needed
- ✅ Accurate and reliable sunrise data
- ✅ Can be used on mobile, tablet, or desktop
- ✅ Supports all global coordinates
- ✅ Quick reset feature
- ✅ Perfect for planning or learning
Limitations and Considerations
- The time is given in UTC, so users may need to convert it to their local time zone.
- Azimuth is based on the horizon angle—obstructions like buildings or mountains aren’t considered.
- Tool doesn’t yet support sunset or twilight times (stay tuned!).
Tips for Accurate Results
- Use decimal degrees for precise latitude/longitude (e.g., 37.77, not just 37).
- Be aware of Daylight Saving Time (DST) when converting UTC to local time.
- Double-check your date input, especially for past or future planning.
20 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is azimuth at sunrise?
It’s the compass direction where the sun appears on the horizon at sunrise.
2. Why is the sunrise time shown in UTC?
UTC is a universal time standard; it ensures consistent results globally.
3. How do I convert UTC to local time?
Subtract or add your timezone offset. Use tools like World Time Buddy or Time.is.
4. What do I do if I don’t know my coordinates?
Use your phone’s GPS or search your city’s latitude and longitude online.
5. Why is my azimuth angle not exactly 90°?
The sun doesn’t always rise due east due to Earth’s tilt and time of year.
6. Can I calculate sunrise for the past or future?
Yes! Simply select any valid date from the date picker.
7. Why is the result showing “Not Visible”?
This usually happens near the poles or during polar night/day cycles.
8. Is the sunrise time accurate to the minute?
Yes, within the limitations of standard astronomical algorithms.
9. What’s the best time to photograph sunrise?
During golden hour, which begins just before sunrise.
10. Can I use this for planning solar panel alignment?
Absolutely. Azimuth helps position panels for optimal morning sunlight.
11. Is this tool free to use?
Yes, it’s 100% free with no signup required.
12. Can I use it offline?
No. It’s a web-based tool requiring internet access.
13. What does “UTC” stand for?
Coordinated Universal Time.
14. How often should I update the date?
Every time you need sunrise data for a different day.
15. Can I use this for lunar sunrise?
No, this tool is only for solar sunrise.
16. Is it mobile-friendly?
Yes, it’s optimized for all screen sizes.
17. What are the valid latitude and longitude ranges?
Latitude: -90 to 90°, Longitude: -180 to 180°.
18. Can this tool help with stargazing?
Indirectly, by helping you understand sunrise times and daylight hours.
19. Is azimuth measured clockwise or counterclockwise?
Clockwise from true north (0° to 360°).
20. What’s the difference between azimuth and altitude?
Azimuth is compass direction; altitude is height above the horizon.
Final Thoughts
The Sunrise Position Calculator is more than a simple tool—it’s a practical companion for anyone looking to align their activities with the natural rhythms of the Earth. With just a few inputs, it delivers scientifically accurate and highly useful data to help you plan your day or event with precision.
Try it today and see exactly where and when the sun will rise in your part of the world!