Sun Compass: Find True North From the Sun's Position

The sun follows a predictable apparent path across the sky. Its position at a given moment depends on date, time, latitude, and longitude. This page applies astronomical algorithms based on methods published by Jean Meeus to calculate solar azimuth around the horizon and elevation above or below it.

Azimuth is measured clockwise from true north. A result of 90° places the sun due east, 180° due south, and 270° due west. If you face the sun, you face that true bearing. The difference between the bearing and 0° tells you how far to turn toward north.

The same calculation provides sunrise and sunset conditions. Near the polar circles, the sun may remain above or below the horizon all day, so a sunrise or sunset value may not exist.

A magnetic compass can be distorted by vehicles, reinforced concrete, speakers, wiring, magnets, and local magnetic material. The solar calculation does not read Earth's magnetic field, so those objects do not change the computed bearing.

The sun compass also works on most laptops and desktops because it needs coordinates and time rather than a compass sensor. You can type coordinates manually when the browser cannot supply a location. The visible sun is still required to orient yourself physically from the calculation.

Cloud, buildings, darkness, and unsafe viewing conditions can prevent a useful sighting. Never look directly at the sun through binoculars, a telescope, a camera viewfinder, or magnifying optics. Use its general position or a clear shadow.

The tool calculates where the sun and moon are right now. A negative elevation means the object is below the horizon. Moon phase describes the illuminated fraction, while bearing identifies its direction around the horizon.

The direction of sunrise depends on season and latitude. The sun rises due east only around the equinoxes. At other times, sunrise occurs north or south of east. The live azimuth answers “which direction does the sun rise?” for the current date and location.

For prayer direction, the Qibla finder combines the bearing to Mecca with a sun or moon reference. With a magnetic compass, compare its correction using the declination calculator.

The calculated solar coordinates are more precise than most people can point by eye. Practical accuracy is limited by coordinate accuracy, device time, the ability to identify the sun's centre or a shadow direction, and physical alignment.

The page uses the clock on your device. A wrong date, time, or time zone changes the position. Manual coordinates in another time zone require care because sunrise and sunset are formatted using the device clock even though the celestial calculation uses the instant correctly.

Use this tool as a navigation reference and cross-check when possible. For route finding where an error could affect safety, carry an appropriate map and compass and avoid relying on one battery-powered device.