Solar Noon & True Solar Time Explained

Learn why civil clock noon differs from astronomical solar noon and how to measure solar transit.

Today's Solar Transit: —:—

At Solar Noon, shadows are at their absolute shortest length for the entire 24-hour cycle and solar irradiance peaks.

Solar Noon Frequently Asked Questions

Solar Noon (Solar Transit) is the exact moment when the Sun crosses the local meridian and reaches its highest vertical point in the sky for the day.
Clock time is standardized across entire time zones. Your longitude offset within the time zone, Earth's elliptical orbit (Equation of Time), and Daylight Saving Time cause Solar Noon to shift.