If no timestamp is specified in the url, it defaults to your local time. As you move the time slider, the shadows will change and update the timestamp in the url so reloading the page will result in seeing the exact same location at the exact same time as before.
The shade does not change automatically, you need to move the time slider.
I echo all of the compliments on the app. It certainly has a utility function but its also very aesthetically pleasing to use for some reason. I think the smoothness and fine resolution plus the contrast of the shade brings familiar form out of nothing.
One thing i didn’t expect and can’t really explain is the emotional impact of zooming out until you can see your location and that of a loved one and watching the sun rise and set at slightly different times and different ways for each. There’s an interesting connection that it somehow creates, I’m not sure.
Anyway, in that context i kept finding myself replaying sunrises and sunsets and my rickety fingers don’t do a great job of making that a smooth process. That made me yearn for a little time widget that progresses the clock automatically at some +/- multiple of realtime.
Congrats btw, i don’t know if you feel like you accomplished your goal of learning webgl but it sure looks like you have to me.
The shade does not change automatically, you need to move the time slider.