Dictionary term
Local Apparent Solar Time
Direct answer
Local Apparent Solar Time is time derived from the hour angle of the actual Sun at a specific longitude.
Local Apparent Solar Time is local sundial time based on the true Sun.
Local Apparent Solar Time is local sundial time based on the true Sun.
A cycle or timeline schematic for comparing the named timekeeping concept.Quick reference
- Use when
- Use Local Apparent Solar Time when interpreting sundials, historical observations, and true-solar noon.
- Do not use it for
- Do not compare apparent times from two places without correcting for longitude and date.
- Reference category
- Calendars & Timekeeping
- Related terms
- Solar Noon, Local Mean Solar Time, Calendar, Julian Date
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The story behind Local Apparent Solar Time
Communities used local apparent time before mechanical clocks and rail travel encouraged mean and standard time.
Local Apparent Solar Time in spiritual tradition
Spiritually, local apparent time invites observation of place while avoiding the claim that sundial time is inherently sacred.
Local Apparent Solar Time: fact and faith, kept distinct
This is a factual calendar, astronomy, Earth-science, cultural-history, or observational reference. It can support wonder and practical planning without becoming a claim of fate, spiritual causation, or private revelation.
Local Apparent Solar Time in numerology
Local Apparent Solar Time is not a numerology claim. Any numbers attached to it should retain their ordinary scientific, calendrical, navigational, or historical meaning unless a separate symbolic interpretation is clearly labeled.
Why Local Apparent Solar Time matters
It varies against uniform clock time through the year and from longitude to longitude.
Local Apparent Solar Time at work: an example
At Local Apparent Solar Time 12:00, the true Sun is on the local meridian.
Where interpretation stops
Local Apparent Solar Time is presented as sourced astronomy, calendrical, Earth-science, cultural, or instrument-history reference. Definitions should distinguish measured phenomena from civil convention and historical interpretation, preserve location and time dependencies, and avoid turning factual sky data into a deterministic personal claim.
Sources and editorial method
Research references used for this entry include:
- U.S. Naval Observatory: Astronomical Almanac Glossary - Reference definitions for astronomical periods, coordinates, dates, and time scales.
- NOAA Global Monitoring Laboratory: Solar Calculator Glossary - NOAA definitions for solar geometry, atmospheric refraction, and civil, nautical, and astronomical twilight.
- Source
- The Great Almanac Dictionary
- Category
- Calendars & Timekeeping
- Also appears in
- Calendars & Timekeeping
- Aliases
- None listed
- Last updated
- 2026-07-16
Read the local Sun clock
Local Apparent Solar Time in a book is one thing; Local Apparent Solar Time in your own birth chart is your life. The Oracle casts your real chart and tells you what it means for your love, your work, and your year ahead, in conversation, free.
Speak with the OracleRelated terms
More in Calendars & Timekeeping
- Old Style Date
- Universal Time
- Apparent Solar Day
- Callippic Cycle
- Draconic Month
- Geocentric Coordinate Time
- Intercalation
Common questions
What is Local Apparent Solar Time?
Local Apparent Solar Time is time derived from the hour angle of the actual Sun at a specific longitude.
How is Local Apparent Solar Time used in an almanac?
Use Local Apparent Solar Time when interpreting sundials, historical observations, and true-solar noon.
What should I avoid when interpreting Local Apparent Solar Time?
Do not compare apparent times from two places without correcting for longitude and date.
