[Verse 1]
Did you know
240 at the low
300 at the high
Do you know why?
[Bridge]
Longer days
Longer stays
Of the light
[Chorus]
As the azimuth increases
So does my day
Until the nighttime ceases
my game-play
[Instrumental, Guitar Solo, Drum Fills]
[Verse 2]
Sixty degrees
The soul frees
Gaining insight
Into the light
[Bridge]
Longer days
Longer stays
Of the light
[Chorus]
As the azimuth increases
So does my day
Until the nighttime ceases
my game-play
[Instrumental, Saxophone Solo, Piano]
[Chorus]
As the azimuth increases
So does my day
Until the nighttime ceases
my game-play
[Instrumental, Piano, Guitar]
[Outro]
Longer days
Longer stays
Of the light
A SCIENCE NOTE
At a latitude of 40 degrees, the position of the sunset varies significantly between the winter solstice and the summer solstice due to the tilt of the Earth’s axis and its orbit around the Sun. Here’s a detailed explanation:
Winter Solstice (around December 21)
- Sunset Position: The sunset occurs at its most southern point on the horizon. In the northern hemisphere, this means the sun sets to the southwest.
- Sunset Time: The days are shortest, so the sun sets early in the evening, typically around 4:30 PM to 5:00 PM.
Summer Solstice (around June 21)
- Sunset Position: The sunset occurs at its most northern point on the horizon. In the northern hemisphere, this means the sun sets to the northwest.
- Sunset Time: The days are longest, so the sun sets later in the evening, typically around 8:30 PM to 9:00 PM.
Difference in Sunset Position
The sunset’s azimuth (the angle measured from due north) changes considerably:
- Winter Solstice: The sunset azimuth is approximately 240 degrees.
- Summer Solstice: The sunset azimuth is approximately 300 degrees.
This results in a difference of about 60 degrees along the horizon between the two solstices. This large shift is due to the Earth’s axial tilt of about 23.5 degrees, causing significant seasonal variations in the sun’s path.
Visual Representation
A helpful way to visualize this is by imagining standing in the same spot on both solstices and noting where the sun sets. On the winter solstice, the sun sets much further south, and on the summer solstice, it sets much further north. This is a clear illustration of how the Earth’s tilt and orbit affect the apparent movement of the sun across the sky.
Additional Considerations
- Day Length: At 40 degrees latitude, the difference in day length between the solstices is significant. Around the winter solstice, the day length is about 9 hours, whereas around the summer solstice, it can be around 15 hours.
- Twilight Duration: The duration of twilight also varies, with longer twilight periods in summer due to the shallow angle at which the sun sets.
Sources
- National Geographic – Winter and Summer Solstices
- Time and Date – Sunset and Sunrise
- EarthSky – Solstice
Understanding these variations can be useful for activities like planning outdoor events, photography, and appreciating seasonal changes in daylight.