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Astronomy/Sun's Altitude on Equator
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Question
I would like to know what is the Sun's maximum altitude on the Equator during vernal equinox?
Hello.
On the vernal equinox (Mar. 21), the Sun will always have a declination of zero degrees. This means that the Sun will be exactly on the celestial equator, which is always coincident with the Earth's actual equator (latitude zero degrees).
Since the celestial equator is at 90 degrees to the N. pole (+ 90 deg. declination), anything with "zero degrees declination" will be located at an altitude of 90 degrees at the Earth's equator.
Thus, the Sun's maximum altitude on the equator at the vernal equinox will be 90 degrees.
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Answers by Expert:
Philip Stahl
Expertise
I have forty years of experience in Astronomy, specifically solar and space physics. My specialties include the physics of solar flares, sunspots, including their effects on Earth and statistics as applied to astronomical investigations.
Experience
Astronomy: more than forty years experience starting with construction of my own simple telescopes. Worked at university observatory in college, doing astrographic measurements. M.Phil. degree in Physics/Solar Physics and more than ten years as researcher.
Organizations
American Astronomical Society (Solar Physics and Dynamical Astronomy divisions), American Mathematical Society, American Geophysical Union
Publications
Solar Physics (journal), The Journal of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada, The Proceedings of the Meudon Solar Flare Workshop (1986), The Proceedings of the Caribbean Physics Conference (1985). Books: 'Selected Analyses in Solar Flare Plasma Dynamics', 'Physics Notes for Advanced Level'.
Education/Credentials
B.A. Astronomy, M. Phil. Physics
Awards and Honors
American Astronomical Society Studentship Award (1984), Barbados Government Award for Solar Research
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