The saying "the sun always rises in the east" is a good general rule, but not entirely accurate. Throughout the year, the exact position of sunrise (and sunset) changes slightly due to the Earth's tilt on its axis as it orbits the sun.
This captivating series by photographer Zaid M. Al-Abbadi, captured near the city of Amman, Jordan, beautifully illustrates this phenomenon. Each photo showcases the sunrise from the same location but at a different time of year. The result? A stunning display of how the sun's rising point dances across the horizon over the course of twelve months.
Why the Seasonal Shift?
While Earth travels around the sun, it's also tilted at an angle of about 23.5 degrees. This tilt is what gives us our seasons. As Earth progresses in its orbit, the Northern and Southern Hemispheres take turns being pointed more directly towards the sun.
Summer Solstice and Winter Solstice
During the summer solstice (June in the Northern Hemisphere, December in the South), the tilted hemisphere receives more direct sunlight, resulting in longer days and shorter nights. Conversely, the winter solstice brings shorter days and longer nights for that hemisphere.
This tilt also affects the sunrise and sunset positions. In the summer months, the sun rises farther north (in the Northern Hemisphere) or south (in the Southern Hemisphere) compared to the winter months.
Back to Amman
Al-Abbadi's photos capture this effect beautifully. Over the course of a year, the sunrise point in Amman moves from a more southerly position in winter to a more northerly position in summer, before returning south again.
A Global Phenomenon
While the specific sunrise positions will vary depending on your location, the basic principle remains the same. The Earth's tilt creates a seasonal dance of sunrise and sunset across the sky, a subtle yet fascinating consequence of our planet's movement in space.
So, next time you watch the sunrise, take a moment to appreciate this celestial ballet – a testament to the dynamic relationship between Earth and the sun.
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