Re: Does the term 'Southern Exposure' apply in the Southern Hemisphere?

I live in New York, and my entire life I've known that the best side of a house is the one with the Southern Exposure, because it gets the most sunlight. Is this the opposite for the Southern Hemisphere? Or is it the same?

I guess what I'm really asking is: What exactly causes "Southern Exposure?" is it the 23 degree tilt of the earth on it's axis? the distance from the equator? what? Amanda -

Good question, and also good guess. Your thought that Southern Exposure is caused by the tilt of the earth and distance from the equator are both factors in the cause of Southern exposure.

Distance North of the equator is the principle cause of Southern Exposure and as you guessed, those South of the equator experience Northern Exposure. Year round Southern Exposure can only occur North of 23 degrees North Latitude. Between there and the equator, at some point during the year a house will be directly exposed to the sun on the North side of the house as well. During the year, due to the 23 degree tilt of the earth on it's axis, the sun shines directly overhead between 23 degrees North and 23 degrees South of the equator. For that reason, only houses North of the 23 degree mark will receive solely Southern Exposure. (With the exception of Houses North of the Arctic Circle - During the summer these homes will experience daylight for 24 hours and the sun will hit every side of their house at some point during the 24 hour period.

I hope that answers your question.

Todd Boring