Solar day

A solar day is the time it takes for the Sun to appear in the same position in the sky on consecutive days—essentially, from one noon to the next. It averages about 24 hours and is what we commonly think of as a day. Because Earth’s orbit is slightly elliptical and its axis is tilted, the solar day can vary slightly, but it generally remains close to 24 hours. This cycle is essential for our daily routines and the pattern of daylight and darkness.