apparent time

noun

1. Astronomy. local time measured by the hour angle of the sun.

apparent time

1. Solar time as measured by the Sun's actual position with respect to an observer's local meridian and equal for any observer to the hour angle of the Sun at that location. Sundials register apparent time, which differs continuously with the observer's longitude and is not standardized across a time zone. Each degree of longitude represents a difference of four minutes in apparent time. Because of irregularities in Earth's orbit and the tilt of its axis, a day as measured by apparent time varies somewhat in length throughout the year.
2. Also called apparent solar time
3. ◆ The moment when the Sun crosses an observer's local meridian is called the apparent noon .
4. Compare local mean timeSee more at mean time

Word History and Origins

Origin of apparent time¹

First recorded in 1685–95

Example Sentences

When time is calculated by the stars it is called sidereal time; when by the sun, solar, or apparent time.

From Project Gutenberg

Then, too, less apparent time is taken than with plants grown from cuttings and far less than with those grown from seed.

From Project Gutenberg

The odd seconds set down above, arose by reducing the time, as given by the watch, to apparent time.

From Project Gutenberg

Difference between apparent and mean time or mean and apparent time - Equation of Time.

From Project Gutenberg

In summer find out from the Azimuth Tables the local apparent time when the sun will bear 90.

From Project Gutenberg