What Does Analemma Mean?

In astronomy, an analemma is a diagram showing the position of the Sun in the sky as seen from a fixed location on Earth at the same mean solar time, as that position varies over the course of a year. The diagram will resemble a figure eight.

What does the word analemma mean?

: a plot or graph in the shape of a figure eight that shows the position of the sun in the sky at a given time of day (such as noon) at one specific locale measured throughout the year Affix a camera to a sturdy mount … and take a photo of the Sun at a particular time of day.

What causes the analemma on Earth?

When the Sun lags, it is eastward with respect to the mean Sun and when it leads, it is westward with respect to the mean Sun. This is because of the fact that Earth spins on its axis towards the east. This is how the elliptical orbit of Earth around the Sun contributes to the formation of the Analemma.

James H. Sterling

James H. Sterling

Environmental Science & Climate Journalist

James Sterling reports on renewable energy developments, climate policy, ecological conservation, and green tech innovations around the globe.