Go to the University of Oregon Solar Radiation Monitoring Laboratory [1] [2]web page and generate a PDF SunCharts for two locations: (1) State College, PA, and (2) your own location.
1. Download the PDF chart for the orthographic (Cartesian) projection
2. Download the PDF chart for the polar projection
3. Reflect on the charts:
Now, based on your understanding of the SunCharts, work through the self-check questions below. While you work through these steps, try to think about all the calculations that went into each plotted point on the curves. You should reflect on the fact that the SunChart tool is simply plotting points and lines based on solar calculations of time and longitude. The same calculations that you are mastering now in class. Pretty exciting!
Answer the same questions for your own locale. Are the answers different or the same compared to State College, PA?