You are here:
Astronomy/angles
Advertisement
Question
What is the difference between the length of the solar day and the sidereal day? and how can we find the positions of the stars and other planets in relation to the sun? and what is the angle of elevation of the sun at sunrise and sunset...and i guess i should ask how might we interpret a negative angle of elevation?
Jeff:
A Siderial day is about 4 minutes shorter than a Solar Day.
The stars position in relation to the Sun will not be too different from the stars position from the Earth, being that the stars are so far away. The planet's positions will be different, and some software like "Starry Night", will easily display that.
The angle of elevation of the Sun at Sunrise and Sunset is Zero, since it is on the horizon at both times. Negative angle would mean that it is below the horizon.
Steve
Related Articles
Answers by Expert:
Steven LJ Russo
Expertise
As a space science educator in a planetarium, my work centers around teaching people about the night sky and the solar system. I have a strong background in those areas, plus the history of NASA and spaceflight, and meteorology.
Experience
Experience in the area. I have been an amateur astronomer for 47 years, and have been teachng space science in planetariums for 34 years. For 15 years I was a radio and television meteorologist, and for the past 20 years I have been a space science writer for two newspapers in New York State. I am a member of the Middle Atlantic Planetarium Society and the International Planetarium Society. I have had a number of articles published in several astronomy journals, including "The Constellation" and the "Planetarian". Education/Credentials. I hold a B. S. from Wagner College and an M. S. from State University of New York at Oswego. Awards and Honors. I have been awarded the "Fellows" award from the International Planetarium Society for more than 20 years of continuous service in the planetarium field.
©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.