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Solar Slide Rule (Print & cut out this seasonal sun locator) At any time during the year, this simple device can tell you how high the sun will climb in the sky for any location in the Northern Hemisphere. To build a working slide rule print or copy this sheet onto card stock and cut out the two pieces. Cut slits with a razor knife where indicated and slip the long slider piece through the slits at either end. Line up the latitude arrow to match your location (check with a state map). When you face true south, the maximum height of the sun can be read across from the time of the year on the upper part of the slider. The winter solstice (12/21) is the shortest day of the year and when the sun will be at its lowest. From there the sun rises higher in the sky each day until it reaches the summer solstice (6/21) and starts back down. The spring and fall equinox is midpoint in this cycle. |
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Solar Slide Rule Quiz
Notes
A solar site kit with inclinometer, sun charts, a magnetic declination
map (to find adjustments to true north/south) and more is available
at... |