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Sun's Position on Horizon
HK defaultHorizon view — Hong Kong
Why does this happen?
1. Earth's tilt — Our axis leans 23.5°. In June the northern hemisphere tilts toward the Sun, so sunrise shifts north of east.
2. Your latitude — At 22.3193°N (Hong Kong), the effect is moderate: summer sunrises are northeast, winter are southeast.
3. Longer summer days — When the Sun rises north of east and sets north of west, it spends more time above the horizon.
Before you start
Where the Sun rises and sets on the horizon changes through the year. This affects day length and how high the Sun climbs.
Key idea
In summer the Sun rises north of east and sets north of west (N. hemisphere), spending more time above the horizon. Winter is the reverse.
What you see
- Horizon panorama with rise/set positions
- Hong Kong view toggle
- Step-by-step reasoning panel
Try this
- Set day to summer solstice — Sun rises northeast in HK
- Set day to winter solstice — Sun rises southeast
- Read the 'Why' panel for the three-step explanation
Why it matters in Hong Kong
Even in Hong Kong's subtropical climate, you'll notice summer sunrises further north than winter.
Common mistakes
- Assuming the Sun always rises due east
- Forgetting the effect is reversed in the southern hemisphere
Glossary
- Summer solstice
- Longest day in the northern hemisphere (~June 21).