Equation of time

{
  "id": "MLC-T-MET-005410",
  "term": "Equation of time",
  "field": "Meteorology and atmospheric science",
  "definition": "The difference between apparent solar time, as indicated by a sundial, and mean solar time, as indicated by a clock. This difference arises from the Earth's elliptical orbit and the tilt of its axis, causing the sun's apparent motion to vary throughout the year. The equation of time can range from approximately -16 minutes to +14 minutes over the course of a year.",
  "see_also": [
    "apparent solar day",
    "mean solar day"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/meteorology/equation-of-time/"
}