Solar Declination and Zenith Angles

Dr. Graves from Cal State Northridge presents a tutorial on earth-sun relationships, focusing on calculating solar angles like zenith and elevation angles. Using Microsoft Excel, the video demonstrates how to determine these angles for different locations and dates, including Seattle, Santiago, Nairobi, and St. Petersburg. The tutorial emphasizes the importance of understanding solar declination and its impact on weather and climate, providing practical examples to help students grasp the concepts.

What is the main focus of Dr. Graves' video tutorial?

• Volcanic activity and earthquakes

• Ocean currents and tides

• Earth's magnetic field

• Earth-sun relationships and solar angles

Which formula is used to calculate the zenith angle in Seattle on May 1st?

• Latitude + Solar Declination

• Latitude - Solar Declination

• 90 - Latitude

• 90 + Solar Declination

What is the latitude of Seattle used in the calculation?

• 33.4 degrees north

• 1.3 degrees south

• 46 degrees north

• 60 degrees north

Why is a different formula used for calculating the zenith angle in Santiago, Chile?

• Because it is at a higher altitude

• Because it is closer to the sun

• Because it is in the southern hemisphere

• Because it is located at the equator

What is the latitude of Santiago, Chile, used in the calculation?

• 60 degrees north

• 46 degrees north

• 33.4 degrees south

• 1.3 degrees south

On February 20th, what is the solar declination used for Nairobi, Kenya?

• 22 degrees

• 11 degrees

• 33.4 degrees

• 15 degrees

What is the latitude of Nairobi, Kenya, used in the calculation?

• 1.3 degrees south

• 60 degrees north

• 46 degrees north

• 33.4 degrees south

What is the solar declination for St. Petersburg, Russia, on January 15th?

• 33.4 degrees

• 22 degrees

• 15 degrees

• 11 degrees

What is the latitude of St. Petersburg used in the calculation?

• 1.3 degrees south

• 60 degrees north

• 46 degrees north

• 33.4 degrees south

What is the elevation angle of the sun in St. Petersburg on January 15th?

• 59 degrees

• 8 degrees

• 31 degrees

• 80.3 degrees