What do you see on the map?
The interactive map above shows the exact sun position above this address. Each line and area has a specific meaning:
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Orange line — Sunrise
Shows the exact direction from which the sun rises on the selected day.
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Red line — Sunset
Indicates the direction of sunset. Useful for knowing which windows receive evening sun.
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Yellow line — Current position
The bold yellow line points to where the sun currently is (or at the selected time).
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Yellow area — Sun arc
The shaded area shows the full path the sun traces today from east to west.
Understanding sun position
The sun doesn’t stay in one place all day. In the morning it appears low in the east, at midday it reaches its highest point in the south, and in the evening it sinks toward the west. How high the sun climbs depends on the season: in summer it reaches over 60° above the horizon, in winter only about 15°.
This directly affects your home: a south-facing window receives 6–8 hours of direct sun per day in summer, while west-facing windows catch intense low-angle afternoon sun. With this calculator you can see exactly which side of your home gets the most sun — and when.
Frequently asked questions
How accurate is this calculator?
The calculations are based on standard astronomical formulas and are accurate to within a few minutes for sunrise and sunset. The position on the map may vary slightly due to atmospheric refraction and local obstacles (buildings, trees) that aren’t accounted for.
What is the difference between dawn and sunrise?
Dawn (civil twilight) begins when the sun is 6° below the horizon — it becomes light enough to see outdoors without artificial light. Sunrise is the moment the upper edge of the sun appears above the horizon. There are usually 25–40 minutes between dawn and sunrise.
Why does the sun position change with the seasons?
Earth orbits the sun with a tilt of 23.4°. This means in summer the sun is higher and stays up longer (longer days), while in winter it’s lower and shorter (shorter days). On June 21st the sun reaches its highest point in the Netherlands (±62°), on December 21st its lowest (±15°).
How can I use the shadow length?
Shadow length is based on a 1-meter object. Multiply by the height of any object to get its actual shadow length. For example: an 8-meter tree with a shadow factor of 2.5 casts a 20-meter shadow. Useful for planning solar panels, garden design, or estimating whether a building shades your terrace.
What is culmination?
Culmination is the moment the sun reaches its highest point in the sky. This doesn’t happen exactly at noon — it depends on your longitude and time of year. In the Netherlands, culmination typically occurs between 12:30 and 13:40, depending on daylight saving time.
Can I use this calculator for solar panels?
Yes. Check the sun arc to determine from which direction your roof receives the most sun. South-facing roofs are ideal. Also check the shadow length to see if trees or neighboring buildings cast shadows on your roof at crucial times of day. Move the date to winter months to see if your panels still get enough sun.
