This simulator models the motions of the
sun in the sky using a horizon diagram,
demonstrating daily and seasonal changes
in the sun's position.
The upper left panel shows the horizon
diagram visualization. This is a
representation of the sky as if it were a
large sphere centered on an observer (the
stickfigure). The location and local time
for this observer are set in the
Time and Location
Controls
panel.
The
General Settings
panel allows one to show or hide various
features of the horizon diagram, as well
as controlling the behavior when dragging
the sun disk on the horizon diagram.
When animating, this simulator can run
continuously (as if in fast forward) or it
can step by day. Stepping by day keeps the
time of day fixed as the day of year
changes. For example, one can use this
mode to see the path the noon time sun
traces over the year.