Home
Back
Sun Shadow Formula:
| From: | To: |
The Sun Shadow calculation determines the length of a shadow cast by an object based on its height and the sun's angle above the horizon. This trigonometric calculation is fundamental in fields like architecture, photography, and astronomy.
The calculator uses the trigonometric formula:
Where:
Explanation: The tangent of the sun's angle equals the ratio of object height to shadow length, allowing us to calculate the shadow length when we know the height and angle.
Details: Calculating shadow length is essential for architectural planning to ensure adequate sunlight, in photography for lighting planning, and in solar energy system design to avoid shading issues.
Tips: Enter the object height in meters and the sun angle in degrees (must be between 0 and 90 degrees). The calculator will compute the corresponding shadow length.
Q1: What time of day produces the longest shadows?
A: Shadows are longest when the sun is lowest in the sky, typically at sunrise and sunset when the sun angle is smallest.
Q2: How does season affect shadow length?
A: In winter, the sun is lower in the sky, creating longer shadows. In summer, the sun is higher, resulting in shorter shadows.
Q3: Can I use this for artificial light sources?
A: Yes, the same trigonometric principles apply to any light source, though point light sources may behave differently than the sun.
Q4: Why does the calculator not work for 90 degree angles?
A: At exactly 90 degrees (sun directly overhead), the tangent is undefined and shadows are virtually non-existent.
Q5: How accurate is this calculation in real-world conditions?
A: The calculation provides a theoretical length. Actual shadows may vary slightly due to atmospheric refraction and other factors.