Charting the sky…

Loading the star catalogue.
WhatTheStar

Sun and Calendar · 4 of 9

The Sun and Your Clock

Why does a sundial disagree with your clock on most days of the year?

The earliest sunset comes before the shortest day and the latest sunrise after it. Why, and why a sundial is right four days a year at most.

You’ll be able to explain why the earliest sunset and the shortest day fall on different dates.

5 steps · about 4 min

Where and which day

Working out the Sun’s day from where you are…

Where

Which day

Kept for this guide only, until you change it here — your map settings, and every other guide, stay as they are.

Print, play outside or present
Present on a big screen
Sources
← GUIDES

Settings

Screen

Night mode Turns every page red, to keep your eyes adjusted to the dark.
High contrast Bolder constellation lines, larger and brighter names on the sky, and stronger text and edges everywhere. Starts on if your device asks for more contrast.
Reduce motion The camera cuts to where it is going instead of flying there, and panels and sheets appear without sliding. Starts on if your device asks for less motion.
Battery saver Draws the sky thirty times a second at most: smoothness traded for battery.
Dims the screen below your phone’s lowest setting, down to a fifth, while night mode is on.

Clock and voice

Clock How every time is written. Until you choose, your language’s own clock decides.
D describes What D says about the view on the sky: one sentence, or in full with the field, the constellation and five names.
Sounds Quiet tones as you use the map: a tick as you drag the clock past a mark or dusk, a chime for the star you pick — higher for hotter stars — and a low swell while a figure is out of the dome. Made in your browser, and off until you turn them on.
All settings and your progress

Your view

Change place

    Enter coordinates