MEAN SUN Meaning and
Definition
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Mean sun refers to a theoretical or averaged location of the sun in the sky, used as a reference point for calculating time and determining solar coordinates. It is an artificial construct that allows for standardization and comparison of solar data, independent of the Earth's irregular orbit and axial tilt. The mean sun is defined based on the assumption that the Earth's orbit around the sun is perfectly circular and that its axis remains constant.
To determine the mean sun's position, the apparent motion of the sun is averaged over a year, taking into account the unequal length of seasons. This results in a fixed point in the sky that moves at a constant speed throughout the year, rather than the sun's actual variable speed due to elliptical orbit and Earth's axial tilt.
Mean sun is crucial for various applications such as determining solar time and calculating celestial coordinates. By providing a standardized frame of reference, it enables astronomers, cartographers, and navigators to make accurate calculations and compare different solar observations. It is often used in conjunction with other coordinate systems, such as the mean equinox of date, to describe the precise location of celestial objects at specific times.
While the mean sun is a hypothetical concept and does not correspond to the actual location of the sun in the sky at any given time, it serves as a convenient and practical reference point for many astronomical and navigational purposes.
Common Misspellings for MEAN SUN
- nean sun
- kean sun
- jean sun
- mwan sun
- msan sun
- mdan sun
- mran sun
- m4an sun
- m3an sun
- mezn sun
- mesn sun
- mewn sun
- meqn sun
- meab sun
- meam sun
- meaj sun
- mean su
Etymology of MEAN SUN
The term "mean sun" has its etymology rooted in astronomy.
The word "mean" comes from the Middle English word "mēne", which means "middle" or "average". It can be traced back to the Old English word "gemǣne", meaning "common" or "general".
The term "sun" originates from the Old English word "sunne", which is derived from the Proto-Germanic word "*sunnon". It is related to the Old Norse word "sól" and the Dutch word "zon", among others.
In astronomy, the "mean sun" refers to a theoretical sun that moves uniformly along the celestial equator at a constant speed. It is an artificial concept used for calculations, which averages out the irregularities in the motion of the actual sun caused by the elliptical shape of Earth's orbit and the tilt of its axis.
Similar spelling words for MEAN SUN
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