We can make an approximate determination of the length of daylight at
any latitude on the earth if we know the declination angle of the sun for
that day. What we ignore in this approximation is the fact that the sun
moves approximately one degree across the celestial sphere in a 24 hour
period. We also ignore the effects of atmospheric refraction which enables
us to see the sun even when it is below the geometrical horizon. Using
the equations on the previous page calculate the number of hours of daylight
at Spokane, Washington on the following two dates:
(A) June 22
(B) December 22
In order to answer these questions you must draw in the horizon circle(actually
line in this drawing) for the latitude of Spokane. This can be determined
using a good map, globe, or off the web U.S.
census service .
(http://www.census.gov/cgi-bin/gazetteer)
You must also draw in the declination circle/line for the sun's location
on these dates.