Chapter 6.1, Problem 79AYU

In Problems 79-84, use the following discussion. The formula $D=24\left[1-\frac{{\cos }^{-1}\left(\tan i\tan \theta \right)}{\pi }\right]$ can be used to approximate the number of hours of daylight D when the declination of the Sun is $i^{\circ }$ at a location ${\theta }^{\circ }$ north latitude for any date between the vernal equinox and autumnal equinox. The declination of the Sun is defined as the angle i between the equatorial plane and any ray of light from the Sun. The latitude of a location is the angle $\theta$ between the Equator and the location on the surface of Earth, with the vertex of the angle located at the center of Earth. See the figure. To use the formula, ${\cos }^{-1}(\tan i\tan \theta )$ must be expressed in radians.

Approximate the number of hours of daylight in Houston, Texas ( ${29}^{\circ }45\text{'}$ north latitude), for the following dates:

(a) Summer solstice $\left(i={23.5}^{\circ }\right)$

(b) Vernal equinox $\left(i=0^{\circ }\right)$

(c) July 4 $\left(i={22}^{\circ }48\text{'}\right)$