This is fascinating! Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge. I had to read this a couple of times and look a few items up but I think I get it.

I started to read part one of your previous post but will have to revisit it after an appointment I am getting ready for. I want to be able to dedicate some time to that one as well.

I just wanted to take a minute to acknowledge you and let me know how much I appreciate your reply. You clearly know what you’re talking about and probably have more important things to do with your time. After I get through your information on the Mars magnetism, I will get back to you again. Probably with some questions so that I understand your comments. Thanks again;

Is this a movie reference? I must be out of the loop.

That was pretty cool. Thanks!

Thank you for your detailed response.

I am not an astronomer by any means but I am a curious person. Can we do a thought experiment here?

Let’s assume that OP’s father has been making observations for several decades from a fixed location and height each time. He also faces due west at the same time of day and even has accounted for daylight savings time. The mountain peaks have always been rocky without any trees or vegetation and there have been no changes to the geology of the land at the point of observation or the land between and including the mountain.

If all of the above is true (and anything that I may have overlooked) what astrological change(s) would have to take place in order for the sun to set earlier than in previous years? Would it be a change in the tilt of the earth, the distance from the sun, or something entirely different?