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Astral Atlas
Wiki concept · Time & location

Equation of time

The difference between apparent and mean solar time; sign conventions differ, so a formula must specify which is subtracted.

In this entry

Word origin · etymology

Historical mathematical phrase.

Equation here uses the older astronomical sense of a correction or adjustment, not simply a statement that two expressions are equal.

Merriam-Webster: equation ↗

How we know · epistemology

Astronomical time correction

Earth's orbital geometry produces a calculable difference between apparent and mean solar time. Sources may reverse the subtraction order; comparing numerical values requires checking the sign convention before applying the correction.

US Naval Observatory: equation of time ↗

Connected concepts

Terms used in this explanation

These links connect subjects and terminology. They do not establish a shared historical origin.

Sources & provenance

Use the citations beside each section to distinguish a calculation convention, a historical teaching and an editorial example.

Find these sources across the wiki →

  1. US Naval Observatory: equation of time ↗
  2. Merriam-Webster: equation ↗