As we approach the Summer Solstice the sun should rise and set further north. Am I missing something?

I don't think so.

We tend to think the sun sets toward the equator. So when we are further north of the sun, we think it should set toward the southwest. If you looked at the spherical trigonometry invovled, you'd see that it's more a factor of the sun's declination, i.e. when the sun is in the North, it sets closer to Northwest. As the sun and the observer both get further north, then the differences get larger.

Holy crap… the only thing this thread has taught me is to make sure I have a compass in every kit.

"...you have to find true north first and then observed what bearing the sun or moon rose/set..."

Silly me, I thought from your original challenge that we were supposed to find north from where the sun rises and sets. Now you say to find true north first. I am sooo confused. Again. But I am glad I didn't get up at oh dark thirty...

"...My challenge is to determine what direction true north is in relation to your own position when you watch the sun rise or set. Mark the true direction of the sun as it rises or sets, as the case may be..."

Hi OldBaldGuy,





Here are some quick sunset bearings for today for some US city Locations. You can use a protractor - line up the 0 degree mark with the setting sun.

Example - Los Angeles sunset is 299 degrees azimuth, so to get true North just read 61 degrees on the protractor.

Los Angeles 61 degrees
Houston 63 degrees
New York 58.5 degrees (all ready set)
Chicago 57.5 degrees (all ready set)
San Francisco 60 degrees
Seatle 54.5 degrees

Thanks. I'm not sure you can see the sunset from L.A. (and possibly some of those other cities) though, thanks to the smog...

We get some nice sunsets in this part of the world!!

Vincent Thomas Bridge that ain't...

I like this one of the Tay Railway Bridge opened in 1881. Kind of reminds me of the river Nile at Luxor Egypt but without the Felluca sailing boats.

You are obviously more bridge knowledgeable than I am. I only know the Vincent Thomas 'cuz I patrolled over it for two years, and took the first surviving jumper to the looney bin...