Sun-Shining Records: Which Country Gets the Most Sunshine?
When it comes to sunshine, some regions on our planet truly stand out. While the concept of the Earth's bulge at the equator and the specific points of highest elevation play an important role, it is also fascinating to explore the regions that receive the most consistent sunlight throughout the year. This article delves into the top sunniest places and reveals the truth behind which country gets the most sunshine.
The Myth and Reality
It was once widely assumed that the Earth's bulge at the equator, combined with its elliptical orbit around the sun, would lead to Ecuador and its equatorial region being the sunniest place on Earth. However, the actual record for the highest amount of sunny days per year does not lie in Ecuador, but rather in a place where temperatures can reach up to 50°C (122°F) and where the sun provides 4,000 hours of sunshine annually.
The Sunniest Spot on the Planet: Yuma, Arizona
Yuma, located in the western part of Arizona, near the borders with Mexico and California, is a region that breaks all records. Thanks to its location within the tropics, Yuma receives an astonishing 4,000 hours of sunlight annually, with 90% of the daylight being sunny. This makes Yuma one of the sunniest places on Earth.
11 Places Where the Sun Almost Always Shining
According to the Guinness Book of World Records, the place that claims the title of the sunniest location in the world is Yuma, Arizona. However, there are other regions that also receive an exceptional amount of sunlight.
Uninhabited but Spectacular: Eureka and Alert
Two places in Canada, Eureka on Ellesmere Island and Alert, are known for their high sunshine statistics, despite being uninhabited for most of the year. Military and scientific personnel are stationed there to monitor the unique conditions.
Eureka, with its latitude of 80.0459°N, has a sheer amount of sunlight in May, with over 15 hours of bright sunshine each day. This is an impressive feat, but the temperatures here are far from tropical, with daily average temperatures reaching -10°C (14°F). Thus, while the skies are clear, the weather is not conducive to sunbathing.
The Equatorial Sun: Ecuador and Beyond
While Ecuador has some high points along the equator, such as the Volcán Cayambe and Volcán Chimborazo, which are known for their elevation above sea level, the equator itself is not the sunniest spot on the planet. The highest point on the equator, however, is not in Ecuador but in Bolivia at 22°S, 67°12'47.84"W.
Chimborazo, at 6,263 meters, is the highest peak near the equator and has a unique feature that makes it closer to the sun at the equinox. The earth’s 43 km bulge from its rotation results in a 2979-meter difference in sea level height at the equator compared to a latitude of 22°. This bulge means that the summit of Chimborazo is the farthest point from the center of the Earth, even more than Mount Everest, which sits just 1.7° south of the equator.
Conclusion
The sunniest places on Earth may not be what you expect. While Ecuadorians might hope their mountains will bring them the title, it's the temperatures and daylight in Yuma, Arizona, that truly shine. Whether you're looking for consistent sunshine or unique geographical features, these places offer some of the most fascinating and sunniest spots on our planet.
For those who enjoy sunshine, Yuma, Eureka, and other high-sunshine regions are intriguing destinations, providing opportunities for research, exploration, and those who simply love the bright, warm rays of the sun.