In contrast, during winter (Dakshinayana), the sun's path shifts towards the southeast at sunrise and towards the southwest at sunset. This is because the Earth's axial tilt is more inclined towards the southern hemisphere. Consequently, the sun's path is lower in the sky, providing longer days and shorter nights in the southern regions.

Equinoxes

During the equinoxes, typically around March 21 and September 23, the sun rises exactly in the east and sets exactly in the west. This is a direct result of the Earth's axis being oriented perpendicular to the sun, creating an equal division of daylight hours.

The Solar Path in India

The sun's path across the sky varies in India due to the country's vast latitudinal range.

Northern Regions

In the northern parts of India, the apparent path of the sun is characterized as East--South--West. During summer, the sun's path is higher, while in winter, it is lower. This results in shorter days and longer nights in the winter months.

Southern Regions

A striking difference is observed in the southern regions. The path of the sun here is described as East--Overhead--West. This is because the sun passes more directly overhead at midday, leading to longer days and shorter nights during both summer and winter.

Seasonal Shifts

The sun's path shifts slightly to the south during winter and to the north during summer. This seasonal shift is gradual and can be observed across the country. For example, for a person in Coimbatore (southern India), the sun might be seen in the north relative to someone in Delhi (northern India) at the same time of the day.

Conclusion

While the sun generally rises in the east and sets in the west, its exact position and path change with the seasons. The sun's movement is a fascinating indicator of the Earth's axial tilt and its revolution around the sun. Understanding these patterns can help in planning activities based on daylight hours and can also be a topic for scientific and cultural discussions in India.