Declination of the Sun

Declination of the Sun as seen from Earth

The Sun appears to move northward during the northern spring, crossing the celestial equator on the March equinox. Its declination reaches a maximum equal to the angle of Earth's axial tilt (23.44° or 23°26') on the June solstice, then decreases until reaching its minimum (−23.44° or -23°26') on the December solstice, when its value is the negative of the axial tilt. This variation produces the seasons.