Name: ________________________
Period #: ____________
Date: _________________
Evidence 3: Solar Noon Angle Data
Background Info: The subsolar point is the point on the Earth when the sun passes directly overhead or
the angle is exactly 90 degrees. Per day, there is only one point on the planet where this happens.
Using the subsolar point and the latitutde which you are at, scientists can calculate the angle of the Sun
in the sky at solar noon. Solar noon is when the sun is at its highest point in the sky on its particular day.
The equation that scientists use is as follows:
Solar Noon Angle = 90 degrees – Latitude + Subsolar Point
*Note…If you are in the same hemisphere you add the subsolar point, for the opposite hemisphere, you
would substract the subsolar point.
Subsolar Point Table
Equinox March 21st
Equinox September 21st
Solstice June 21st
Solstice December 21st
(Latitude where the sun is overhead at noon)
0 degrees
0 degrees
23.5° N
23.5° S
The latitude of New Jersey is 40 degrees N
Assessment Questions:
1. Calculate the solar noon angle on March 21st :
2. Calculate the solar noon angle on September 21st :
3. Calculate the solar noon angle on June 21st :
4. Calculate the solar noon angle on December 21st :
5.
How does this evidence help make evidence 2 more scientifically valid? Explain.
6. What is significant about the number 23.5 degrees? Any guesses as to why we keep seeing this
number pop up in data?
7.
Linking evidence 1, 2 and 3 together, what is the best model for the seasons? Use the evidence
and at least two reasons to explain why you chose this model.