Precise solar light forecasting for photographers and daily life
Solar altitude is the angle of the sun above (or below) the horizon, in degrees. Azimuth is the compass bearing of the sun (0° = North, 90° = East, 180° = South). Together they precisely describe where the sun appears in the sky at any moment, and are the basis for every calculation on this page.
NOAA Solar CalculatorThe golden hour occurs when the sun sits between −4° and 6° above the horizon, casting long, warm, soft-edged shadows ideal for photography. It typically lasts 20–40 minutes near the equator and over an hour at high latitudes. The blue hour frames it on either side when the sun is between −6° and −4°.
Wikipedia: Golden Hour (Photography)The UV Index (0–11+) quantifies ultraviolet radiation intensity at the Earth's surface. A value above 6 requires sun protection. It is standardised by the WHO and derived from the solar zenith angle and total column ozone. At high solar altitudes (> 45°) UV exposure rises sharply.
WHO UV Index GuideSolar noon is the instant each day when the sun crosses the local meridian and reaches its highest altitude. It rarely equals clock noon because of the equation of time and your position within your time zone. Knowing solar noon helps plan outdoor activities, window placement for maximum daylight, and photography sessions.
US Naval Observatory — Sun & Moon Data