Lexi Webster
The sun rises in the east and sets in the west, and this is no different in Western Australia. If you're in Western Australia and wondering where the sun is coming from, just look east.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Direction of sunrise | East |
| Direction of sunset | West |
| Sun path | The daily and seasonal arc-like path the Sun follows across the sky as the Earth rotates and orbits it |
| Time of sunrise in Byron Bay, New South Wales | 6:09 am |
| Time of sunset in Carnarvon, Western Australia | 6:11 pm (18:11) |
| Time of sunrise in Canberra | 6:34 am |
| Time of sunset in Canberra | 5:38 pm (17:38) |
| Duration of sunshine in Canberra in June | 5 hours and 6 minutes |
| Duration of sunshine in Canberra in December | 9 hours and 50 minutes |
| Duration of sunset in Australia | 31 minutes |
| Duration of sunset in Canberra in June | 29 minutes |
| Duration of sunset in Canberra in December | 33 minutes |
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What You'll Learn
The sun rises in the east and sets in the west
The movement of the sun is a daily reminder of its pivotal role in sustaining life on Earth. In Western Australia, as in the rest of the world, the sun consistently rises in the east and sets in the west. This unwavering phenomenon is a fundamental aspect of our planet's rotation and orbit around the sun.
The easternmost city in Australia, Byron Bay in New South Wales, experiences the sun's early morning emergence, with the sun rising at 6:09 am. As the sun traverses the sky, its path takes it across Western Australia, illuminating cities like Perth, where the precise direction of the sun is crucial for economic decisions regarding solar energy utilization.
The sun's journey culminates in its descent below the western horizon. The latest sunset in Western Australia occurs in the city of Carnarvon, where the sun bids farewell at 6:11 pm. The duration of the sunset varies based on the distance from the equator, with sunsets near the equator lasting around 20 minutes, while in Australia, the average length extends to approximately 31 minutes.
The orientation of a location with respect to the sun is of utmost importance. In the context of Australia, a north-facing slope maximizes sunlight exposure, while a south-facing slope may result in overshadowing. Living areas ideally face north, capturing the winter sun while mitigating the harsh summer sun's impact. This thoughtful orientation ensures comfortable living spaces throughout the year.
The sun's path, combined with the Earth's rotation and orbit, creates a unique arc-like trajectory across the sky. This path is not only essential for solar energy considerations but also influences the length of the day and the amount of sunlight received. In Australia, the longest days occur in December, with the sun shining for up to 14 hours and 40 minutes, while June experiences the shortest days.
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The sun is higher in the summer sky
The sun rises in the east and sets in the west, and it sits higher in the sky during the summer months. This is due to the angle of the midday sun, which is much higher in June than in December. As a result, the sun's rays hit the earth more directly in June, and the ground is heated more. In December, the sun's rays are less concentrated, and the same amount of energy is spread over a larger area, resulting in less heat.
The height of the sun in the sky also depends on your geographical location. For example, as you travel northward from Utah, the noon sun will appear lower and lower in the southern sky. If you travel far enough north, you will reach the Arctic Circle, where the sun will not rise on the December solstice. Conversely, at the North Pole, the sun remains above the horizon for six consecutive months, reaching its highest point of 23.5 degrees above the horizon at the June solstice.
The orientation of buildings in relation to the sun is also important. In Australia, for instance, a north-facing slope increases potential sunlight, while a south-facing slope leads to more overshadowing. Views to the north are advantageous, as this is the best direction for placing windows in living areas. Proper orientation allows for the maximization of sunlight when needed and the exclusion of unwanted heat. For instance, a well-designed house should be elongated towards the north to control the high-angle summer sun and to benefit from the low-angle morning and afternoon sun in the east and west.
In Western Australia, the sun rises in the east and sets in the west, just like in the rest of the world. However, the specific orientation of buildings and geographical variations can impact the exact direction of sunlight at different times of the day and year.
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The latest sunset in Western Australia is in Carnarvon
Like everywhere else on Earth, the sun rises in the east and sets in the west in Western Australia. The latest sunset in Western Australia occurs in Carnarvon, a town located along the west coast.
Carnarvon experiences a notable variation in daylight duration throughout the year. During the winter solstice, which typically occurs around June 21, Carnarvon witnesses the shortest day, with approximately 10 hours and 37 minutes of daylight. Conversely, the summer solstice, usually falling around December 21, marks the longest day, boasting roughly 13 hours and 43 minutes of daylight.
The specific dates of the latest sunsets can vary slightly from year to year. For example, in 2025, the latest sunrise in Carnarvon is expected to occur on July 3 or July 4, coinciding with the date when the Earth is at its farthest point from the Sun.
The timing of sunset plays a crucial role in determining the daylight hours available for various activities. The latest sunset in Carnarvon provides extended daylight during the second half of the year, influencing the daily routines and lifestyles of residents and visitors alike. It is important to note that sunset times can be influenced by various factors, including geographical location, time of year, and atmospheric conditions.
The unique sunset characteristics of Carnarvon attract photographers and skywatchers alike, who capture stunning images of the golden hour and the gradual transition from day to night. The town's location along the western coast of Australia presents a distinct vantage point for witnessing the sun's descent over the Indian Ocean, creating a captivating spectacle that highlights the region's natural beauty.
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The sun rises at 6:09 am in Byron Bay
The sun rises in the east and sets in the west. In Byron Bay, Australia, the sun rises at 6:09 am. Byron Bay is a coastal town located on the east coast of Australia, in New South Wales. It is known for its spectacular beaches, unique shopping and dining experiences, world-class festivals, and vibrant community spirit. Byron Bay is a popular tourist destination, offering a range of activities such as surfing, yoga retreats, hiking to the Cape Byron Lighthouse, shopping at local markets, and enjoying the region's beaches by kayak, horseback, or whale watching.
The town has a rich history, with a past in the timber industry, gold mining, dairy farming, and whaling. Today, Byron Bay is known for its upmarket residential areas and multi-million-dollar mansions. It has a vibrant food scene, with a variety of dining options, including award-winning restaurants and craft breweries. The region also boasts lush rainforests and is part of the erosion caldera of an ancient shield volcano, the Tweed Volcano.
With a population of approximately 10,914 people, Byron Bay offers a mix of incredible surf breaks, tranquil yoga retreats, and a vibrant, welcoming community. It is easily accessible, with a regional airport at Ballina, located about 30 minutes south of the town. The town is also known for its alternative culture and has attracted a diverse range of visitors, from barefoot backpackers to Hollywood celebrities.
As the sun rises at 6:09 am in Byron Bay, it illuminates the eastern coast of Australia, providing a beautiful morning view for those in the town and the surrounding areas. The sunrise in Byron Bay is a special experience, as it is one of the first places in Australia to witness the sun's rays each day. Visitors can enjoy the early morning light and the peaceful atmosphere before the busy beach days during the summer holiday season.
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The sun's path is determined by the distance from the equator
The sun's path is determined by the Earth's position in relation to the equator. The Earth's axis of rotation is tilted about 23.5 degrees relative to the plane of its orbit around the sun. This tilt creates the seasonal changes we experience, as well as the varying paths of the sun throughout the year. The sun appears to move along with the celestial sphere, following different circles at different times of the year.
During the equinoxes, which occur around March 20 and September 22 each year, the sun's path follows the celestial equator. On these days, the sun rises due east and sets due west everywhere in the world except for the poles. The exact dates of the equinoxes can vary slightly from year to year. After the March equinox, the sun's path gradually drifts northward, reaching its most northerly position during the June solstice in the Northern Hemisphere. During this time, the sun rises north of due east and sets north of due west.
Following the June solstice, the sun's path begins to drift southward once again, returning to the celestial equator by the September equinox. The southward drift continues until the December solstice, which usually occurs on December 21. At this time, the sun rises and sets considerably south of due east and due west, respectively.
The sun's path also varies depending on the hemisphere. In the Northern Hemisphere, the summer sun rises in the northeast, peaks out slightly south of the overhead point, and sets in the northwest. In the Southern Hemisphere, summer days see the sun rising in the southeast, peaking slightly north of overhead, and setting in the southwest. The length of daytime and the solar altitude and azimuth also vary from day to day and season to season in the middle latitudes, with the difference between summer and winter days becoming more pronounced as one moves away from the equator.
In Western Australia, which is in the Southern Hemisphere, the sun rises in the east and sets in the west, with specific variations throughout the year due to the Earth's position relative to the sun.
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Frequently asked questions
The sun rises in the east and sets in the west.
The sun follows a daily and seasonal arc-like path due to the Earth's rotation and orbit. It is higher in the summer sky and lower in the winter sky, predominantly in the northern sky.
Accurate knowledge of the sun's direction and path can help with economic decisions regarding solar energy, such as the orientation of buildings and the use of solar trackers. It also aids in landscaping and summer shading design.
