Bengaluru is preparing for a unique celestial event called ‘Zero Shadow Day,’ which will take place on August 18. During this occurrence, objects on the ground throw no shadows briefly around solar noon, providing an amazing visual spectacle. This happens because the light is directly overhead, causing minimal shadow projection. As Bengaluru locals prepare to witness this one-of-a-kind phenomenon, here’s everything you need to know:
This phenomenon happens in regions between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn. On this day, tall objects such as buildings, trees, and poles may not cast shadows on the ground, even when the sun is shining brilliantly. This occurs because the sun is over our heads, causing the shadows to vanish.
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- Zero Shadow Day, What’s That?
- Why Does This Happen?
- When And Where Was The Last Zero Shadow Day Marked?
Zero Shadow Day, What’s That?
Credit: BCCL
Zero Shadow Day is an interesting occurrence when objects on the Earth’s surface do not cast any shadows for a brief period around noon. It occurs when the sun is directly overhead or extremely close to being overhead, illuminating objects from practically directly above.
As a result, the sun’s rays are directed directly downward, and the angle formed by the sun, the item, and the viewer is nearly 90 degrees. This alignment results in the absence or very minimal projection of shadows.
Zero Shadow Day is directly related to the Earth’s axial tilt and orbit around the sun. The angle at which the sun’s rays strike different portions of the Earth’s surface changes throughout the year as a result of these factors.
Zero Shadow Day is only observed near the equator or in areas with a low solar angle during the time of year when the sun is directly overhead.
Why Does This Happen?
According to the Astronomical Society of India (ASI), the celestial event happens near the equator, between the Tropics of Capricorn and Cancer. The Sun will be directly above Bengaluru on August 18, creating the same celestial phenomenon for the second time this year.
Credit: Economic Times
The ASI had previously said that this occurrence would occur twice this year for individuals between the latitudes of +23.5 and -23.5 degrees. The declination of the Sun will be equal to their latitude twice: once during Uttarayan and again during Dakshinayan.
According to ASI, the Sun will be directly overhead at noon and not cast a shadow on the ground on these two days. The Sun’s declination equals the observer’s latitude during the Uttarayan and Dakshinayan, resulting in Zero Shadow Day.
Declination is the angle formed by the plane of the Earth’s equator and the Sun’s beams. Conversely, Latitude is the angular distance between two points south and north of the Earth’s equator.
On August 4, Hyderabad, the state capital of Telangana, also experienced Zero Shadow Day. Several city residents posted videos and photos to social media that showed no shadows from the Sun. The event was seen for a brief moment around 12:23 PM.
Credit: Twitter
When And Where Was The Last Zero Shadow Day Marked?
The last Zero Shadow Day took place on April 25 in Bengaluru, where people took advantage of it while clicking several pictures. The Internet back then was filled with pictures of objects with no shadow on the ground.
Mumbai residents were also startled to notice that the sun had lost its ability to create shadows on May 15, as the city witnessed the uncommon celestial event of Zero Shadow Day. On May 15th, locals pounced on the chance to take unusual photographs and videos as they observed the rare phenomenon. Mumbai residents flooded social media with videos and photographs of objects casting no shadows while standing in the sunlight.
It was surely a scene to watch and experience!
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Source: vtt.edu.vn