Holds a time and the observed altitude of the Sun at that time.
When reporting a solar eclipse observed at a specific location on the Earth
(a "local" solar eclipse), a series of events occur. In addition
to the time of each event, it is important to know the altitude of the Sun,
because each event may be invisible to the observer if the Sun is below
the horizon.
If altitude is negative, the event is theoretical only; it would be
visible if the Earth were transparent, but the observer cannot actually see it.
If altitude is positive but less than a few degrees, visibility will be impaired by
atmospheric interference (sunrise or sunset conditions).
Holds a time and the observed altitude of the Sun at that time.
When reporting a solar eclipse observed at a specific location on the Earth (a "local" solar eclipse), a series of events occur. In addition to the time of each event, it is important to know the altitude of the Sun, because each event may be invisible to the observer if the Sun is below the horizon.
If
altitudeis negative, the event is theoretical only; it would be visible if the Earth were transparent, but the observer cannot actually see it. Ifaltitudeis positive but less than a few degrees, visibility will be impaired by atmospheric interference (sunrise or sunset conditions).