What Is the Sun Golden Hour & Blue Hour Photography Calculator?
Golden hour (also called magic hour) is the period shortly after sunrise or before sunset when daylight is redder and softer than when the sun is higher in the sky.
Blue hour occurs immediately after golden hour during civil twilight, characterized by deep, saturated indigo skies.
How Does the Sun Golden Hour & Blue Hour Photography Calculator Work?
The calculator computes solar declination angle δ for the given day of the year.
It solves spherical solar hour angles for zenith angles of 90° (horizon), 84° (+6° elevation), and 94° (-4° elevation).
Sun Golden Hour & Blue Hour Photography Calculator Formula & Variables
The core mathematical equation utilized by this calculator is expressed as:
Solves the solar hour angle for target elevations: Golden Hour (+6° to -4°), Blue Hour (-4° to -6°).
How to Use the Sun Golden Hour & Blue Hour Photography Calculator
- Enter your location’s latitude in degrees (positive for North, negative for South).
- Enter the day of the year (1 to 365).
- Read morning and evening golden hour and blue hour durations.
Step-by-Step Example Calculation
New York (40.7°N) on Summer Solstice (Day 172)
Input Values:
Understanding Your Result
Morning Golden Hour: Starts when sun is at -4° and ends when sun climbs to +6°.
Evening Golden Hour: Starts when sun reaches +6° and concludes at -4° below the horizon.
Factors That Affect the Result
- Atmospheric haze, pollution, cloud cover, and mountainous terrain.
When Should You Use This Calculator?
- Scheduling golden hour portrait photo shoots, landscape photography expeditions, and drone video filming.
Assumptions & Limitations
- Valid for temperate latitudes between -66° and +66° (excludes polar day/night circles).
Frequently Asked Questions
Calculation Accuracy & Reference Note
NOAA solar position algorithm approximation.