Tracking the Sun Overhead

 Observation of the movement of the sun is important for numerous factors around our home

• Determining shading for outdoor events
• Planting of vegetation according to shade and sun preference
• Solar installation
• Lighting inside the house
• Cooling the house naturally as the sun sets on one side of the house
• Sleep patterns for those sensitive to light

If you have lived at your residence longer than a full year you may have recognized the pattern of the months for the height and angle of the sun in relation to your location.  

A Forbes Magazine gave a great synopsis of the nuances and benefits of the rising and setting and movement of the sun in relation to Earth and Earthlings.  This Is How The Sun Moves In The Sky Throughout The Year (forbes.com)

GardeningKnowHow has created an easy-to-follow guide how to make a sun map:

"To make a sun map, you will need graph paper, a ruler, and colored pencils. Start by making a map of the area you will be tracking sun exposure in. Be sure to include buildings and other structures, such as tall fences, large trees and shrubs, and anything else that may cast shadows throughout the day."

However, there are online versions and even AN APP FOR THAT!  Yes! 

• Calculation of sun’s position in the sky for each location on the earth at any time of day (sunearthtools.com)
• Find Your Location and Compute Sunlight Conditions (suncurves.com)

Sites with a downloadable APP:

• http://suncalc.net/
• FindMyShadow.com - sun position calculator and bespoke scene shadow plotting - v3.6

And for the ambitious, who use photography to chronicle the sun pattern, there is a site to upload your photos or look at others who have diligently photographed over a designated time period the sun's impact on their environs:  Astronomy and Astrophotography (astrocolorsllc.com)

We use DesignBundles as a source for many of our graphics (we're a brand ambassador so we are compensated if you follow this link - thank you). IwasMadeForSunnyDays

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