How to Calculate Sun/Moon Location at Rise/Set?

[canonsnob]

A photographer emailed me yesterday to say that this week the sun will set behind a particular landmark in San Francisco, but he didn't (won't) say how he figured it out.

How does one do that, and where can I go (online?) to learn that? For example, I'd like to know when the moon will rise over the peak of Mt. Diablo in California and where I'd have to be to photograph it. Also, when does the sun set between the two towers of the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, and where I'd have to be to photograph it. You get the idea.

Anyone know how to do the calculations and where I can go to learn it?

Thanks very much!!

Gary
web.mac.com/misterellis

[FlyingPhotog]

There are 101 Sun/Moon calculators on the web but are you looking for exact degrees of azimuth?

Can't say I've seen that info readily available. I'm sure the folks who prefer astrophotograhy can help! :)

[Sorarse]

If you have time, you can visit any landmark to check out where the sun sets/rises in relation to the landmark and your viewing position. It wouldn't take much to work out how far and in what direction you would need to change your viewing point to get the sun/object relation to your liking.

Obviously the relationship will change through the year, but as long as you do your research close to the time that you want to take your photograph, it shouldn't be a problem.

What would be more difficult to work out is if you already have a particular viewpoint of your chosen subject in mind, and want to work out when the sun will be in the right position to give you the photograph you want from that particular viewpoint.

[mbellot]

Google for StarCalc, great (and free) program.

[dustyporch]

I have a little card (credit card sized) which you can use with a compass to find where the sun will rise/set each month throughout the year. Its great when you are out scouting a location during the day. But it doesn't help with the moon.

I got the card from some guy on the internet, I'll look up the site when I get home.