Free Solar Noon Calculator

Estimate the local solar noon time from your longitude and the standard meridian of your time zone.

°
°

Offset from Clock Noon

-4.1 min

Solar Noon (decimal hrs)11.9313 hrs

Offset from Clock Noon vs Your Longitude

Solar Noon

Solar noon is when the Sun crosses your local meridian (highest point in the sky). It differs from clock noon because your longitude may not match your time zone's standard meridian.

Formula

Offset = (Standard Meridian - Your Longitude) × 4 minutes

Each degree of longitude corresponds to 4 minutes of solar time (360° / 24 hours = 15°/hour).

The equation of time (up to ±16 min seasonal variation) is not included here.

Example Calculation

New York City: longitude -73.97°, Eastern time zone meridian -75°.

  1. 01Offset = (-75 - (-73.97)) × 4 = -1.03 × 4 = -4.12 min
  2. 02Solar noon ≈ 12:00 - 4.12 min = 11:55:53
  3. 03The Sun is highest about 4 minutes before clock noon.

Frequently Asked Questions

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