Our World: Sun’s Position
Find out more about how our sun's position in the sky changes due to Earth's rotation, revolution and tilt. Learn from the experts -- Dr. Alex Young and Dr. Nicki Viall explain these connections so students understand patterns within the Earth-sun relationship.
Discussion and writing prompts
1. The Sun appears to move across the sky each day, but its path changes throughout the year. What causes these changes, and how do they affect the length of our days and the seasons?
2. Scientists have observed the Sun's position for thousands of years to identify patterns and make predictions. Why is it important to collect observations over long periods of time when studying Earth and space? Describe how tracking the Sun's position could help people plan activities, design buildings, generate solar energy, or understand seasonal changes.
3. Engineers often use knowledge of the Sun's position when designing buildings, solar panels, and spacecraft. How can understanding where the Sun will be in the sky help engineers create better designs? Imagine you are designing a garden for your home or school. Explain how you would use information about the Sun's daily and seasonal path to aid your design.
Background Information
Grades 3 through 8
- NASA Space Place Sun (webpage)
- NASA Space Place What Causes the Seasons? (webpage)
- NASA Space Place All About the Sun (webpage)
Grades 3 through 12
- NASA eClips V.A.L.U.E. Bundle: Sun’s Position (videos/webpages/pdfs)
- NASA eClips Ask SME: Research Astrophysicist Dr. Nicholeen Viall (video)
- NASA The Sun (webpage)
- NASA NASA Solar System Exploration: Our Sun - Facts (webpage)
- NASA The Sun Gallery (webpage)
Activities
Grades K through 5
- Classroom Solar Calendar (pdf)
Grades 3 through 5
- NASA The Reason for Seasons (pdf)
- My NASA DATA Observing Earth’s Seasonal Changes (webpage)
Grades 3 through 8
- My NASA DATA Observing Earth’s Seasonal Changes (webpage)
Grades 3 through 12
- NASA’s Eyes on the Solar System/Sun (interactive)
- NASA HEAT Resources for Educators (webpages)
Grades 4 through 8
- NASA Spotlite Interactive Lesson: Sun's Position (pdf)
- Chabot Space & Science Center Activities in Archaeoastronomy (pdf)
Grades 5 through 8
- NASA Light, Directly (pdf)
Grades 6 through 8
- Infiniscope Tilt Our World (interactive)