Comparative Study on Mass loss by the Sun and Energy Available for Utilization between two Tropical Stations in Nigeria

Abstract

The electromagnetic radiation emitted from the Sun is called solar radiation. Almost all life on Earth evolved with the Sun as a major influence. The rising and setting Sun defined the daily cycle we still respond to biologically. This study investigates theyearly, monthly and daily variation of mass loss by the Sun for two locations; Gusau and Calabar situated across the Sahelianand Coastal climatic zones of Nigeria using daily, monthly and yearly global solar radiation meteorological data obtained fromthe National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) during the period of twenty two years (July 1983 – June 2005). Theenergy available for utilization based on the mass loss by the Sun for the two locations was also investigated. The fluctuations inthe results revealed that the mass loss by the Sun varies significantly from year to year, month to month and from day to day; thus, indicating that it is site dependent and strongly depends on the global solar radiation and solar activities in each of the locations. The highest yearly, monthly and daily mass losses by the Sun for Gusau are 6.3155 1017 kg y -1 in 1985, 5.5691 1016 kg m -1 in April and 2.3482 1015 kg d -1 on April 21, 1985 respectively and the lowest yearly, monthly and daily mass losses by the Sun are 5.6423 1017 kg y -1 in 1999, 4.2740 1016 kg m -1 in December and 1.3031 1015 kg d -1 on December 25, 1999 respectively. The highest yearly, monthly and daily mass losses by the Sun for Calabar are 4.6558 1017 kg y -1 in 1984, 4.6451 1016kg m -1 in February and 2.0252 1015 kg d -1 on February16, 1984 respectively and the lowest yearly, monthly and daily mass losses by the Sun are3.6806 1017 kg y-1 in 1983, 2.5346 1016 kg m-1 in August and 1.9546 1014 kg d-1 on August7, 1983 respectively. The results indicated that the solar energy available for utilization for Gusau are greater than that of Calabar and this is a reflection of the abundant amount of global solar radiation received on a horizontal surface for Gusau as compared to Calabar.