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Asked by: Ginny Borger
religion and spirituality astrologyIs the sun always directly overhead at noon at the equator?
Likewise, when the sun is directly overhead at noon on the equator?
The Sun is directly overhead at "high-noon" on the equator twice per year, at the two equinoxes. Spring (or Vernal) Equinox is usually March 20, and Fall (or Autumnal) equinox is usually September 22. Except at the equator, the equinoxes are the only dates with equal daylight and dark.
Similarly, you may ask, why isnt the sun directly overhead at noon?
Answer: For continental U.S. the answer is never. Since the Earth's rotation axis is tilted 23.5 degrees with respect to its orbital motion around the Sun, one would have to be less than 23.5 degrees above or below the equator to have the Sun pass directly overhead (once per year).
Because the sun's rays hit the earth's surface at a higher angle at the equator. Because the sun is always directly overhead at the equator.