unit (solar system)
TRANSCRIPT
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Solar System
The Solar System consists of the Sun and its planetary system of eight planets, their moons, and other
non-stellar objects. It formed 4.6 billion years ago from the gravitational collapse of a giant molecular
cloud. The vast majority of the system's mass is in the Sun, with most of the remaining mass contained
in Jupiter. The four smaller inner planets, Mercury, Venus, Earth and Mars, also called the terrestrial
planets, are primarily composed of rock and metal. The four outer planets, called the gas giants, are
substantially more massive than the terrestrials. The two largest, Jupiter and Saturn, are composed
mainly of hydrogen and helium; the two outermost planets, Uranus and Neptune, are composed largely
of substances with relatively high melting points (compared with hydrogen and helium), called ices, such
as water, ammonia and methane, and are often referred to separately as "ice giants". All planets have
almost circular orbits that lie within a nearly flat disc called the ecliptic plane.
From the perspective we get on Earth, our planet appears to be big and sturdy with an endless ocean of
air. From space, astronauts often get the impression that the Earth is small with a thin, fragile layer of
atmosphere. For a space traveler, the distinguishing Earth features are the blue waters, brown andgreen land masses and white clouds set against a black background. Many dream of traveling in space
and viewing the wonders of the universe. In reality all of us are space travelers. Our spaceship is the
planet Earth, traveling at the speed of 108,000 kilometers (67,000 miles) an hour.
Earth is the 3rd planet from the Sun at a distance of about 150 million kilometers (93.2 million miles). It
takes 365.256 days for the Earth to travel around the Sun and 23.9345 hours for the Earth rotate a
complete revolution. It has a diameter of 12,756 kilometers (7,973 miles), only a few hundred
kilometers larger than that of Venus. Our atmosphere is composed of 78 percent nitrogen, 21 percent
oxygen and 1 percent other constituents. Earth is the only planet in the solar system known to harbor
life. Our planet's rapid spin and molten nickel-iron core give rise to an extensive magnetic field, which,
along with the atmosphere, shields us from nearly all of the harmful radiation coming from the Sun and
other stars. Earth's atmosphere protects us from meteors, most of which burn up before they can strike
the surface. rom our journeys into space, we have learned much about our home planet. The first
American satellite, Explorer 1, discovered an intense radiation zone, now called the Van Allen radiation
belts. This layer is formed from rapidly moving charged particles that are trapped by the Earth's
magnetic field in a doughnut-shaped region surrounding the equator. Other findings from satellites
show that our planet's magnetic field is distorted into a tear-drop shape by the solar wind. We also now
know that our wispy upper atmosphere, once believed calm and uneventful, seethes with activity --
swelling by day and contracting by night. Affected by changes in solar activity, the upper atmosphere
contributes to weather and climate on Earth.
Besides affecting Earth's weather, solar activity gives rise to a dramatic visual phenomenon in our
atmosphere. When charged particles from the solar wind become trapped in Earth's magnetic field, they
collide with air molecules above our planet's magnetic poles. These air molecules then begin to glow
and are known as the auroras or the northern and southern lights.
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Earth Statistics
Mass (kg) 5.976e+24
Mass (Earth = 1) 1.0000e+00
Equatorial radius (km) 6,378.14
Equatorial radius (Earth = 1) 1.0000e+00
Mean density (gm/cm^3) 5.515
Mean distance from the Sun (km) 149,600,000
Mean distance from the Sun (Earth = 1) 1.0000
Rotational period (days) 0.99727
Rotational period (hours) 23.9345
Orbital period (days) 365.256
Mean orbital velocity (km/sec) 29.79
Orbital eccentricity 0.0167
Tilt of axis (degrees) 23.45
Orbital inclination (degrees) 0.000
Equatorial escape velocity (km/sec) 11.18
Equatorial surface gravity (m/sec^2) 9.78
Visual geometric albedo 0.37
Mean surface temperature 15C
Atmospheric pressure (bars) 1.013
Atmospheric composition
Nitrogen
Oxygen
Other
77%
21%
2%
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Renewable source of energy
In the past century, it has been seen that the consumption of non-renewable sources of energy has
caused more environmental damage than any other human activity. Electricity generated from fossil
fuels such as coal and crude oil has led to high concentrations of harmful gases in the atmosphere. This
has in turn led to many problems being faced today such as ozone depletion and global warming.
Vehicular pollution has also been a major problem. Therefore, alternative sources of energy have
become very important and relevant to todays world. These sources, such as the sun and wind, can
never be exhausted and therefore are called renewable. They cause less emissions and are available
locally. Their use can, to a large extent, reduce chemical, radioactive, and thermal pollution. They stand
out as a viable source of clean and limitless energy. These are also known as non-conventional sources
of energy. Most of the renewable sources of energy are fairly non-polluting and considered clean
though biomass, a renewable source, is a major polluter indoors.
What are these alternative sources of energy
Under the category of renewable energy or non-conventional energy are such sources as the sun, wind,
water, agricultural residue, firewood, and animal dung. The non-renewable sources are the fossil fuels
such as coal, crude oil, and natural gas. Energy generated from the sun is known as solar energy. Hydel is
the energy derived from water. Biomassfirewood, animal dung, biodegradable waste from cities and
crop residues- is a source of energy when it is burnt. Geothermal energy is derived from hot dry rocks,
magma, hot water springs, natural geysers, etc. Ocean thermal is energy derived from waves and also
from tidal waves. Through the method of co-generation a cleaner and less polluting form of energy is
being generated. Fuel cells are also being used as cleaner energy source. In India a number of initiatives
have been taken. A good example is the model village of Ralegaon Siddhi. When you burn a piece of
wood it turns into ash. Can you use this ash to again light a fire? No, You cannot do this. This is exactly
what happens to the non renewable sources of energy such as coal, natural gas and oil. Once you burn
them they cannot be reused. Other than this it also causes extensive damage to the environment.
Renewable energy resources, such as wind, solar and hydropower, offer clean alternatives to fossil fuels.
They produce little or no pollution or greenhouse gases, and they will never run out.
1. Solar Energy
The sun is our most powerful source of energy. Sunlight, or solar energy, can be used for heating,
lighting and cooling homes and other buildings, generating electricity, water heating, and a variety of
industrial processes. Most forms of renewable energy come either directly or indirectly from the sun.
For example, heat from the sun causes the wind to blow, contributes to the growth of trees and other
plants that are used for biomass energy, and plays an essential role in the cycle of evaporation and
precipitation that makes hydropower possible.
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2. Wind Energy
Wind is the movement of air that occurs when warm air rises and cooler air rushes in to replace it. The
energy of the wind has been used for centuries to sail ships and drive windmills that grind grain. Today,
wind energy is captured by wind turbines and used to generate electricity.
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3. Hydropower
Water flowing downstream is a powerful force. Water is a renewable resource, constantly recharged by
the global cycle of evaporation and precipitation. The heat of the sun causes water in lakes and oceans
to evaporate and form clouds. The water then falls back to Earth as rain or snow, and drains into rivers
and streams that flow back to the ocean. Flowing water can be used to power water wheels that drive
mechanical processes. And captured by turbines and generators, like those housed at many dams
around the world, the energy of flowing water can be used to generate electricity.
4. Biomass Energy
Biomass has been an important source of energy ever since people first began burning wood to cook
food and warm themselves against the winter chill. Wood is still the most common source of biomass
energy, but other sources of biomass energy include food crops, grasses and other plants, agricultural
and forestry waste and residue, organic components from municipal and industrial wastes, even
methane gas harvested from community landfills. Biomass can be used to produce electricity and as fuel
for transportation, or to manufacture products that would otherwise require the use of non-renewable
fossil fuels.
5. Hydrogen
Hydrogen has tremendous potential as a fuel and energy source, but the technology needed to realize
that potential is still in the early stages. Hydrogen is the most common element on Earthfor example,
water is two-thirds hydrogenbut in nature it is always found in combination with other elements.
Once separated from other elements, hydrogen can be used to power vehicles, replace natural gas for
heating and cooking, and to generate electricity.
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6. Geothermal Energy
The heat inside the Earth produces steam and hot water that can be used to power generators and
produce electricity, or for other applications such as home heating and power generation for industry.
Geothermal energy can be drawn from deep underground reservoirs by drilling, or from other
geothermal reservoirs closer to the surface.
7. Ocean Energy
The ocean provides several forms of renewable energy, and each one is driven by different forces.
Energy from ocean waves and tides can be harnessed to generate electricity, and ocean thermal
energyfrom the heat stored in sea watercan also be converted to electricity. Using current
technologies, most ocean energy is not cost-effective compared to other renewable energy sources, but
the ocean remains and important potential energy source for the future.
Sustainable Architecture (http://www.eslarp.uiuc.edu/arch/ARCH371-
F99/groups/k/hannover.html)
On Earth Day, April 22, 1970, the world voiced their concern about the population growth and the
exponential increase in industrial activity. Concern was heightened even more when supplies of fossil
fuels from the Middle East were cut back and energy prices increased during the 70's. People began to
search for ways of protecting the environment and using less energy in their buildings. The country
became tired of the long lines at gas station pumps, uncontrolled pollution, and environmentally
damaging materials. A whole new emphasis was placed on using the free natural resources of the earth,
as well as recycling the resources already exploited. New studies began to show the taxing effects of
pollution, and more importantly, that there was still time to do something about it. Lobbyists began
instituting laws limiting pollution output and even banning some chemicals and industrial products. The
world quickly learned that "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." While properly disposing
of hazardous materials and filtering smoke from power plants and factories was a costly effort, it was
undoubtedly cheaper than cleaning up the environment later.
While the clean-burning fuels and electric cars were (and are) yet to become economically sound, one of
the easiest places to experiment with sustainability was within the living space. Using natural building
materials such as wood and stone is much more environmentally sound than steel and concrete.Building with recycled elements saves landfills from untold tons of garbage every year. Solar heating
and passive cooling cuts energy bills down to pennies on the dollar. Indeed, sustainability was not only
cost efficient, but allowed buildings to become part of the environment, rather than stick out from it.
Sustainability also became known as "green" architecture.
What is "Sustainable Architecture?"
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Eco-housing, green development, sustainable design -- environmentally sound housing has as many
names as it has definitions, but the Rocky Mountain Institute, in its "Primer on Sustainable Building",
flexibly describes this new kind of architecture as "taking less from the Earth and giving more to people."
In practice, "green" housing varies widely. It can range from being energy efficient and using nontoxic
interior finishes to being constructed of recycled materials and completely powered by the sun. Green
building practices offer an opportunity to create environmentally sound and resource-efficient buildings
by using an integrated approach to design. Green buildings promote resource conservation, including
energy efficiency, renewable energy, and water conservation features; consider environmental impacts
and waste minimization; create a healthy and comfortable environment; reduce operation and
maintenance costs; and address issues such as historical preservation, access to public transportation
and other community infrastructure systems. The entire life cycle of the building and its components is
considered, as well as the economic and environmental impact and performance.
Architectural Response to Sustainability
Since the Oil Embargo in the 1970s, there has been an increased awareness in environmental issues.
Some people may look at the loss of non-renewable resources and think automobiles are the main
cause. However, that is not so. It may be suprising to many that the majority of energy depletion
comes from buildings. Half of the non-renewable resources that are used are wasted by buildings and
homes, where as only 25% is used by automobiles . In addition, the United States citizen uses 20 times
more raw materials than the average world citizen. This shock has hit the architectural field hard but
there has been little done to remedy the situation. The idea of sustainable architecture is not new. As
defined by Robert Berkebile, AIA, It is design that improves the quality of life today without diminishing
it for the next generation. However, sustainable architecture is hardly ever used. The lack of green
architecture is a fault of both the client and the architect. It is the architect's responsibility to converse
to the client about sustainability, but most firms do not have the resources in their files to producebeneficial or new ideas about designing sustainable buildings. Also, if an architect does wish to produce
a sustainable building, the client may not want to pay the additional costs it may take to construct, and
is most the time unaware of the benefits. he time has come to educate the clients about design issues
such as sleek does not mean better and a glass wall is not better than a concrete wall. There comes
a time when people have to stop worrying only about the exterior details and start worrying about the
internal ones, "It is time to stop putting the fins on the Cadillac." We as architects have valuable
resources at our disposal that are more than often over looked. In addition, as designers we must
change the standards of construction. We have to stop pulling details and other pre-fabricated building
systems out of catalogues and use our design ability to change the way architecture runs. Architects
must challenge the preconceptions behind building forms. In fact, there is still much to learn fromtraditional vernacular forms.
Principles of Sustainable Architecture
These points are constantly changing, so that they may adapt as our knowledge of the world evolves.
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1. Insist on rights of humanity and nature to co-exist in a healthy, supportive, diverse and sustainable
condition.
2. Recognize interdependence. The elements of human design interact with and depend upon the
natural world, with broad and diverse implications at every scale. Expand design considerations to
recognizing even distant effects.
3. Respect relationships between spirit and matter. Consider all aspects of human settlement including
community, dwelling, industry and trade in terms of existing and evolving connections between spiritual
and material consciousness.
4. Accept responsibility for the consequences of design decisions upon human well-being, the viability of
natural systems and their right to co-exist.
5. Create safe objects of long-term value. Do not burden future generations with requirements for
maintenance or vigilant administration of potential danger due to the careless creation of products,
processes or standards.
6. Eliminate the concept of waste. Evaluate and optimize the full life-cycle of products and processes, to
approach the state of natural systems, in which there is no waste.
7. Rely on natural energy flows. Human designs should, like the living world, derive their creative forces
from perpetual solar income. Incorporate this energy
efficiently and safely for responsible use.
8. Understand the limitations of design. No human creation lasts forever and design does not solve all
problems. Those who create and plan should practice humility in the face of nature. Treat nature as a
model and mentor, not as an inconvenience to be evaded or controlled.
9. Seek constant improvement by the sharing of knowledge. Encourage direct and open communication
between colleagues, patrons, manufacturers and users to link long term sustainable considerations with
ethical responsibility, and re-establish the integral relationship between natural processes and human
activity.
Sustainable Designs
- A compact envelope allows for very little surface area to be exposed to the external environment.
Thus, providing the structure more economical when it comes to heating and cooling.
- The use of a buffer zone between the core (living space) of a building and its exterior walls, such as the
design of a hallway or a laundry room, helps maintain comfortable conditions internally and saves
energy.
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- Wall types are also important. When wind hits a wall it produces a back flow at the base, which if not
sealed properly or if there was a designed opening, filtration into the building will occur. This will cause
much energy loss and a draft inside.
- Using trees in the landscape is a great way to buffer the strong north winds in the winter. Also, a tree
placed on the southern corner of a house allows for cooling in the summer and heating in the winter.
- Numerous wall types are designed to be energy efficient throughout the year. Some examples of walls
are the Trombe wall and water wall, which absorb heat in the winter.
- Passive solar heating is the use of glazed walls in proper locations to allow sunlight to penetrate in the
winter and to be blocked in the summer. This process, if done properly, will allow heating and cooling to
occur during the relative seasons.
- Solar panels, another use of solar energy, is an enhanced product that exploits sunlight to heat and
produce clean energy. Once a mainstream product in the 1970s, solar panel use is minimal because of
their high cost compared to the price of fossil fuel. However, in the long run, solar panels more thanpay for themselves.
- Earth rammed homes (a house whose walls are backfilled with earth) are of great benefit for the
serious economically aware owner. These types of homes use the natural heating and cooling of the
earth to maintain the internal temperature of the house. Though it may be more costly to dig out and
back fill, the electric and heating bill will be very minute compared to the cost to heat and cool an
average home.
Water Collection
Flood water collection, and the pooling of greywater (from sink and bath) would supply a sufficient
amount of water for irrigation purposes. Connecting residential greywater and storm water run-off to a
centralized underground storage basin would reduce the need for clean city water. Collected water
would help to irrigate residential gardens and green spaces. Gardens and green spaces cut down on
neighborhood pollution and save residents money on certain products such as vegetables. This system
however would be a costly one to install, just as the light rail station was, but like the rail station I feel in
the next ten to fifteen years the city will relize its benefits. For this pooling of water to be beneficial
residents would need to develop green spaces which would require greywater only. Areas such as
flower gardens, vegetable gardens, and mini parks are some examples of things which could usegreywater. Also by creating these attractive landscapes residents could save money on products they
would normally buy at the store by growing vegetables such as tomatos, apples, and watermellon.
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Movement of the Sun
Passive solar design is based on utilizing the suns heat energy and its predictable movements through
the seasons.
As the Earth rotates around the sun on its annual cycle, it is tilted at an angle on its vertical axis. Thisimpacts how the suns rays strike various locations on Earth. The Earth is its most extreme tilt at the
winter and summer solstices.
The sun appears to rise in the east and it sets in the west. In actuality, the Earth is rotating on its axis
and around the sun.
Here are pictures thatcompare the suns path on the winter and summer solstices.
A diagram of the suns path on the winterand summer solstices, Courtesy of DOEThis affects how low or high the sun appears in relation to the horizon.In the winter, the sun is relatively
low in the sky with its lowest arc through the sky on the winter solstice, on December 21st
.In the
summer, the sun travels a high path through the sky and is at its highest angle on the summer solstice,
on June 21st
. The sun travels its shortest and lowest arc through the sky on the winter solstice. The low
winter arc allows the suns rays to reach deep into astructure to warm it on a cold winter day. On the
summer solstice, the sun travels its highest and widest arc through the sky. If the building is designed
with anoverhang or some type of blocking mechanism,the sun heat energy will be blocked and thebuilding will stay cool.
The equinox falls on the point between the solstices and indicates the arrival of spring or fall. This
picture shows the suns path throughout the year. The highest arc represents the suns path on
the summer solstice, while the shortest, lowest arc is the suns path on the winter solstice.
http://greenpassivesolar.com/2010/06/winter-summer-sun-solstice-pictures/http://greenpassivesolar.com/2010/06/winter-summer-sun-solstice-pictures/http://greenpassivesolar.com/2010/06/winter-summer-sun-solstice-pictures/http://greenpassivesolar.com/passive-solar/building-characteristics/overhang-solar-control/http://greenpassivesolar.com/passive-solar/building-characteristics/overhang-solar-control/http://greenpassivesolar.com/2010/06/winter-summer-sun-solstice-pictures/ -
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On each equinox, the sun travels a path that is right in the middleof the path that it travels on
the solstices.
March 21stVernal Equinox
June 21
st
Summer Solstice (highest path)
Sept 21stAutumnal Equinox
Dec 21st
Winter Solstice (lowest path)
Passive solar design uses the predictable movements of the sun to best utilize its energy within the
buildings overall design both for heating and cooling purposes. Many passive solar buildings also
include active solar aspects, such as photovoltaic panels, as shown on the roof in the first diagram
located at the top of this post
http://greenpassivesolar.com/2010/05/movement-of-sun/http://greenpassivesolar.com/2010/05/movement-of-sun/http://greenpassivesolar.com/2010/05/movement-of-sun/http://greenpassivesolar.com/2010/05/movement-of-sun/ -
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Position of the Sun
The position of theSun on thecelestial sphere has many applications, includingastronomy,navigation,
surveying,meteorology,climatology,solar energy,andsundials among others. A calculation of a
complete position for any place onEarth,at any time, consists of threealgorithms:[1]
Calculate thecoordinates of theSun in theecliptic coordinate system. Convert to theequatorial coordinate system. Convert to thehorizontal coordinate system for the observer's local circumstances.
The term sun path has been assigned to notify the path of the sun which changes based on seasonal-
and-hourly alteration as the earth rotates, as well as orbits the sun. The position of the sun is one of the
main factors determining the amount of heat that can be derived from the sun. So precise information
need to be known concerning the sun path, in order to take economic decisions concerning solar energy
projects. The sun path will determine the type of materials, solar trackers and prime orientation of the
solar landscape.
Capturing Solar Energy
The most effective way to harness solar energy through solar panels, solar collectors or glass is to
installed collectors being 20 degrees perpendicular to the sun on either side. On the other hand, for
cooling system shade is important. The lowest heat is gained, the less perpendicular the sunlight is to
the building. For instance, only 35 degrees away from a perpendicular angle to the sun does significantly
reduce the amount of heat harnessed. At an elevated acute angle, the sunlight is rather reflected.
The best solar energy systems do consider the 47-degree change in the solar elevation angle that
prevails in the horizon during summer and winter. It makes a great difference in the volume of heat that
can be collected.
Earths Movements
The rotation of our planet produces approximately 23.5 degrees differences across the north and south
pool. However, the sun does equally orbit the sun in our immense solar system. The 47 degree peak of
the sunrays is caused as the earth orbits the sun. This is represented with seasonal changes that occur
from winter to summer.
Harnessing Energy in the Northern Hemisphere during the winter
In the northern hemisphere, in the winter period the sun rises in the far southeast and comes up at a
low angle just above the southern horizon. The sun does thereafter set in the southwest. In other words,the sun remains on the south part of your house (equator) throughout the day. In such conditions, a
vertical south-facing panel would be convenient to harness a maximum of thermal energy.
However, in the southern hemisphere during the winter months (June, July and August) the sun will rise
in the northeast, and will practically be perpendicular depending on the latitude of your position.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sunhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Celestial_spherehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Astronomyhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Navigationhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surveyinghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meteorologyhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Climatologyhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_energyhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sundialhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earthhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Algorithmhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Position_of_the_Sun#cite_note-0http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Position_of_the_Sun#cite_note-0http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Position_of_the_Sun#cite_note-0http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coordinate_systemhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sunhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ecliptic_coordinate_systemhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Equatorial_coordinate_systemhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Horizontal_coordinate_systemhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Horizontal_coordinate_systemhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Equatorial_coordinate_systemhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ecliptic_coordinate_systemhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sunhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coordinate_systemhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Position_of_the_Sun#cite_note-0http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Algorithmhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earthhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sundialhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_energyhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Climatologyhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meteorologyhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surveyinghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Navigationhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Astronomyhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Celestial_spherehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sun -
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Moreover, there are some months where the sun provides more intense heat based on its position. So
solar designers have to understand the necessary solar path angles at the location where the solar
collectors are to be installed. The same applies for smart buildings, which have integrated cooling
systems.
Americas solar path analysis during different seasons of the year is available at the NOAA. However,
one thing that is general for the whole world is that the sun rises in the east and does always set in the
west.
Facts about Sunshine
The sun will be perpendicular, a straight line with no shadows, above the equator at noon (solar time)
during the 21st of March as well as the 23rd of September. Now proceeding to 23.5 degrees north of the
equator we have the Tropic of Cancer, and equally a straight line can be drawn at noon during the 21st
of June where no shadows will be seen. Now going to 23.5 degrees south of the equator we have the
Tropic of Capricorn, which on the 21st of December show no shadows, if a stick is raised straight to the
sky at noon (solar time).