> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://tools.osintnewsletter.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://tools.osintnewsletter.com/osint-tools/suncalc.md).
# SunCalc
| **SunCalc** | **Quick Overview** |
| ---------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
| URL | |
| What it does | Calculates the position of the sun, sunrise, sunset and shadow direction for any location and time, supporting geolocation and timestamp verification. |
| How to use it | Select a location, date and time to view the sun's position and compare predicted lighting and shadows against imagery or video evidence. |
| Cost | Free. |
| Account required | No. |
| Cookies | Functional cookies to remember map location and preferences, together with Google Funding Choices consent cookies for GDPR/CCPA compliance. |
| Ownership | Operated by [Torsten Hoffmann](https://www.torsten-hoffmann.de/web.html), an individual developer based in Germany. |
| Use in Reporting | Useful for demonstrating whether lighting conditions, shadow direction, and solar position are consistent with the claimed location and time of an image or video. |
### What does SunCalc do?
SunCalc calculates the position of the sun throughout the day for any location on Earth. It displays the sun's azimuth, elevation, sunrise and sunset times, golden hour, twilight periods and the direction that shadows should fall at a given date and time.
It’s commonly used to verify images and videos by comparing observed shadows and lighting conditions with the predicted solar position.
**The lowdown:** The tool can help investigators estimate when media was captured, validate a claimed location, or identify inconsistencies that may indicate manipulated or misleading content.
**Note:** Although SunCalc provides highly accurate astronomical calculations, it should always be used alongside other geolocation techniques, as shadows can be affected by terrain, weather, camera angle and surrounding structures.
### How to Use:
**1. Enter or navigate to the suspected location using the interactive map.**
**2. Select the relevant date and adjust the time slider until the predicted sun position and shadow direction align with the imagery being analysed.**
**3. Compare the calculated lighting conditions with the evidence and corroborate findings using maps, satellite imagery and other geolocation techniques.**
### Cost
* [x] Free
* [ ] Partially Free
* [ ] Paid
## Data Processing
### Account Required:
* [ ] Yes
* [x] No
### Cookies:
The site uses functional cookies to remember map location and preferences, together with Google Funding Choices consent cookies for GDPR/CCPA compliance. If PayPal donation features are used, PayPal also sets security and session cookies for fraud prevention and payment processing.
### Use in Reporting
SunCalc can be used to:
* Demonstrate whether shadow direction matches the claimed time and location.
* Support geolocation by validating the orientation of buildings, roads and landmarks.
* Verify or challenge the claimed capture time of photographs and videos.
The tool is widely used in OSINT to verify the timing, location and authenticity of photographs and videos. For example, [Bellingcat's investigation](https://www.bellingcat.com/news/uk-and-europe/2014/07/28/two-more-key-sightings-of-the-mh17-buk-missile-launcher/) into the MH17 Buk missile launcher, used SunCalc’s shadow analysis to estimate image capture times.
| **Capabilities** | **Limitations** |
| ---------------------------------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Calculates sun position for any location, date, and time. | Doesn’t analyse images automatically. Interpretation is investigator-led. |
| Visualises expected shadow direction and solar angle. | Accuracy depends on correct location, date, and time inputs. |
| Displays sunrise, sunset, twilight, and golden hour information. | Weather, terrain, and obstructions can affect observed shadows. |
| Supports image and video geolocation investigations. | Cannot confirm authenticity on its own. |
| Helps validate timestamps and claimed capture locations. | Limited to solar and lighting analysis; provides no contextual investigative data. |
| Easy to use with an interactive global map interface. |
|
### Summary
SunCalc is most valuable during the analysis and validation phases of the OSINT workflow, where investigators need to assess whether lighting conditions, shadow direction and solar position are consistent with the claimed location and time of an image or video.
It provides strong supporting evidence but should always be used alongside other geolocation and verification techniques.
### Ownership
Owned and developed by [Torsten Hoffmann](https://www.torsten-hoffmann.de/web.html), an individual developer based in Germany.
### Ethical Considerations
* Use SunCalc only to verify publicly available imagery and lawful evidence.
* Avoid presenting solar analysis as conclusive proof without corroboration.
* Document all assumptions and calculation inputs.
* Verify findings using multiple independent sources where possible.
* Respect privacy and applicable legislation when investigating individuals or locations.
### Related Tools:
* [ShadeMap](/osint-tools/shademap.md)
* [MoonCalc](/osint-tools/mooncalc.md)
* [Mapillary](/osint-tools/mapillary.md)
* [GeoSpy](/osint-tools/geospy.md)
* PeakVisor
#### Sources