Animating Sun/Moon Position

One of the most spectacular effects you can create using the scene's sky is elapsed time. In the great outdoors we perceive time in relation to the position of the sun and the brightness of the sky. By changing the position of the sun or moon you can simulate time passing in terms of days or months. In this example, the passage of time is simulated by the change in the sun's position.

Since all the elements in the sky are linked, the other properties of the sky like Ambient Light change as the position of the sun changes, adding to the realism of the effect.

For the moon, you can also change its phases, so you simulate the passage of an entire month just by adjusting the moon attributes.

To animate Sun or Moon position:

1. Click the triangle icon in the Animation controls and make sure Auto-Key is enabled.
2. Move the Current Time Indicator to the point in the Timeline where you want the sky to change.
3. Adjust the position of the sun or moon using the Sun Position control in the Sky & Fog palette.
4. Move the Current Time Indicator to a different point on the timeline.
5. Change the position of the sun or moon again.
6. Continue moving the Current Time Indicator and changing the sun or moon position until you achieve the desired effect.

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