Sun Path & Golden Hour Visualizer

About Sun Path & Golden Hour Visualizer

This free tool helps photographers and outdoor enthusiasts visualize sun path and find the best lighting times. See interactive sun path charts, golden hour times, blue hour times, and detailed sun position data for any location and date.

What is the golden hour for photography?

Golden hour is the period shortly after sunrise or before sunset when daylight is softer, warmer, and more diffused. During golden hour, the sun is low on the horizon (0-6° altitude), creating:
- Warm, golden-orange light tones
- Soft, flattering shadows
- Better contrast and depth
- Ideal conditions for landscape and portrait photography

Morning golden hour: starts around civil dawn, ends about 1 hour after sunrise
Evening golden hour: starts about 1 hour before sunset, ends around civil dusk

What is blue hour and why is it important?

Blue hour is the twilight period when the sun is below the horizon but residual sunlight creates deep blue tones in the sky. The sun is typically 4-8° below the horizon. Perfect for:
- Cityscape photography (artificial lights balance with sky)
- Architectural photography
- Nightscape and star trail photography
- Dramatic atmospheric shots

Morning blue hour: before civil dawn
Evening blue hour: after civil dusk

Blue hour is shorter than golden hour (15-30 minutes) and requires faster shooting.

How do I read the sun path chart?

The sun path chart shows the sun's position throughout the day:
- X-axis (Azimuth): compass direction from north (0°) to east (90°), south (180°), west (270°)
- Y-axis (Altitude): angle above horizon (0° = horizon, 90° = directly overhead)
- Line color indicates time of day and sun position
- Hover over points to see exact time, altitude, and azimuth

The chart helps you:
- Plan shooting locations and angles
- Predict shadow directions
- Understand how sun moves across the sky
- Choose optimal times for specific shots

When is the best time for landscape photography?

Best times for landscape photography:
1. Golden Hours - Warm, dramatic light with long shadows
2. Blue Hours - Deep blue skies with balanced ambient light
3. Avoid Solar Noon - Harsh overhead light creates flat images

Tips for different conditions:
- Mountains/Hills: morning golden hour (sun from behind)
- Seascapes: both golden hours work well
- Forests: overcast days or just after sunrise
- Desert: golden hours avoid extreme heat
- Snow: blue hour adds beautiful color contrast

How does latitude affect sun path?

Latitude significantly impacts sun behavior:

Equator (0°):
- Sun rises/sets almost vertically
- Consistent 12-hour days year-round
- Sun passes nearly overhead at noon
- Short twilight periods

Mid-latitudes (30-60°):
- Sun path varies dramatically by season
- Long summer days, short winter days
- Sun never directly overhead
- Golden/blue hours longer in winter

Polar regions (>66.5°):
- Midnight sun in summer
- Polar night in winter
- Very long twilight periods
- Extreme seasonal variations

What are civil, nautical, and astronomical twilight?

Three twilight stages based on sun position below horizon:

Civil Twilight (0-6° below):
- Bright enough for outdoor activities without lights
- Golden hour occurs during this period
- Sky still illuminated, brightest stars visible
- Best for casual photography

Nautical Twilight (6-12° below):
- Horizon visible at sea for navigation
- Blue hour occurs during this period
- Sky darker, more stars visible
- Great for cityscape photography

Astronomical Twilight (12-18° below):
- Faint sunlight still affects sky brightness
- Most stars visible
- Beyond 18° is true astronomical night
- Ideal for astrophotography

How do I use this tool for photo planning?

Steps to plan photography sessions:

1. Enter your shooting location (latitude/longitude)
2. Select your planned shooting date
3. Review golden hour and blue hour times
4. Study the sun path chart to see:
- Direction of light at different times
- Sun altitude (low = better light)
- Best angles for your subject

5. Plan arrival 30 minutes before golden hour
6. Scout location using azimuth data
7. Set up equipment before optimal light

Pro tips:
- Morning golden hour: clearer air, less haze
- Evening golden hour: warmer tones, more dramatic
- Check weather forecast (clouds enhance colors)
- Return to same location in different seasons

Why does golden hour duration vary?

Golden hour length depends on:

1. Latitude: Higher latitudes = longer golden hours
- Equator: 20-30 minutes
- Mid-latitudes: 30-60 minutes
- Arctic/Antarctic: can last hours

2. Season:
- Summer: longer golden hours
- Winter: shorter but more frequent good light

3. Geography:
- Mountains can extend or shorten golden hour
- Flat terrain has consistent timing
- Valleys may have earlier/later times

4. Atmosphere:
- Humidity extends color duration
- Pollution can affect light quality

Can I use this tool for solar panel planning?

Yes! The sun path chart helps with solar planning:

- Optimal panel orientation: face equator (south in northern hemisphere)
- Tilt angle: approximately equal to latitude
- Avoid shading during peak hours (10 AM - 2 PM)
- Sun path shows seasonal variations in energy production

Chart analysis:
- Peak sun altitude = maximum solar gain
- Wide azimuth range = consider tracking system
- Summer vs winter paths = seasonal output variation

For detailed solar analysis, combine this data with:
- Local weather patterns
- Roof angle and orientation
- Shading analysis tools
- Professional solar calculators

How accurate are these calculations?

Our calculations use the SunCalc library with high accuracy:

Accuracy levels:
- Sun times: ±1-2 minutes
- Azimuth: ±0.5 degrees
- Altitude: ±0.5 degrees
- Golden/blue hours: ±3-5 minutes

Factors affecting real-world observations:
- Atmospheric refraction (accounted for)
- Local terrain (not accounted for)
- Weather conditions (affects visibility, not timing)
- Elevation changes (use elevation-specific tools)

For most photography and planning purposes, this accuracy is excellent. Professional surveying may require specialized equipment.