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Question
How far north would be the sunset June 21st? In Venice Fl
Hi Kit,
My Skyglobe program gives an azimuth of 296.2 degrees for Miami on that date, and 297.0 degrees for Orlando, so that would give an azimuth of about 296.6 degrees, or 26.6 degrees north of due west (270.0 degrees azimuth), on that date for Venice Fl, which is latitude-wise, about halfway between those cities.
(Tampa gives 296.8 degrees azimuth but that's north of your location
with a sunset time of 8:23 pm EDT. That sunset time would be very close to a Venice sunset time, within + or - one minute.)
Mathematically, it can be figured out using spherical trigonometry, but that is way beyond my math abilities. That's why I have, and use, a Skyglobe computer program, for those positional questions.
Clear skies,
Tom Whiting
Erie, PA
FOLLOW UP:
As a double-check, I looked up your sunset azimuth for December 21, which is 243.4 degrees, or 26.6 degrees south of due west (at 5:33 pm EST). So that checks, as the numbers should be about the same on each side of due west. (Also both assume a sea-level elevation).
Tom
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Answers by Expert:
Tom Whiting
Expertise
Astronomy has been my hobby/pasttime for over 50 years. Currently own 3 telescopes, the largest of which is a 30 inch Newtonian truss Dob that is portable.I taught Astronomy/Meteorology at the University Level for 13 years before retiring in 1995. Being retired and home most of the time, I am able to answer all questions relatively quickly, unless it's a new moon weekend with good observing conditions. No astrology questions please, or questions about alleged UFO picture identifications.
Experience
Experience: Astronomy has been my hobby and study for over 50 years. We currently now own a 30 inch portable telescope (Updated - Pennsylvania`s largest portable telescope). It can be seen on our website at:http://www.velocity.net/~bwhiting and also attend several regional starparties during the year, and have been on 5 total solar eclipse expeditions.
Organizations: President, Erie County Mobile Observers Group for over 15 years.
Publications: Wrote the "Over Erie Skies" newspaper article in our local newspaper for 11 years (1975-86).
Education: Masters Degree- Taught at the University level for 13 years. Retired 20 years -USAF Pilot - KC-135 with 180 combat missions; Also Eagle Scout, Philmont staff 2 Yrs, Order of Arrow Lodge Chief, Ham Radio (inactive).
Awards: two discoveries: The mini-coathanger asterism in Ursa Minor (the little dipper) And the mini-ladle- another asterism in the bowl of Ursa Minor. Clients: Currently President of the ECMOG as mentioned above.
Education/Credentials
BS Metallurgical Engineering Grove City College, PAMaster's Degree, Gannon University, Erie, PA
Also retired USAF pilot, 20 years.
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