Bengaluru: Bengaluru is preparing to experience Zero Shadow Day, a unique celestial event, on August 18. This phenomenon happens twice a year in regions between the Tropic of Cancer and Tropic of Capricorn. During Zero Shadow Day, the sun is directly overhead at its peak elevation, resulting in no shadows being cast by objects or people.
The Science Behind Zero Shadow Day
Declination, the angular distance of a celestial body north or south of the celestial equator, plays a role in this event. Latitude is a fundamental geographical concept that applies to the measurement of the distance between a location and the Equator, either in a northward or southward direction. This measurement is established through the utilization of imaginary lines referred to as parallels. The meeting of these factors results in the sun attaining its highest point in the sky, thereby causing a lack of shadows on the surface of the earth. This occurrence takes place biannually in regions spanning from +23.5 to -23.5 degrees latitude.
Zero Shadow Day, a celestial event where vertical objects don’t cast shadows, occurred in Bengaluru, #India on April 25, 2023. It occurs between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn. The next Zero Shadow Day is August 18. #ZeroShadowDay pic.twitter.com/f7C8O00MUg
— COSMIC DREAMER 🌌 (@MrCosmicDreamer) August 14, 2023
What Occurs During Zero Shadow Day?
On Zero Shadow Day, the sun’s position directly overhead results in shadows becoming almost invisible. The sun reaches its highest point, causing a significant reduction in shadow length. The Astronomical Society of India (ASI) has explained that during this occurrence, the sun does not cast a shadow on any object or person.
Observations in Other Cities
Hyderabad also recently experienced Zero Shadow Day on August 3, when the sun was positioned directly overhead at 12:23 pm. This led to the temporary disappearance of shadows from vertical objects. The city had observed this phenomenon earlier on May 9 as well.
Conclusion
Zero Shadow Day is a remarkable celestial event that serves as a reminder of the precise workings of our solar system. For residents of Bengaluru and other cities between +23.5- and -23.5-degrees latitude, this event provides an opportunity to witness a rare alignment of the sun’s declination with local latitude. It’s an occasion that highlights the wonders of the universe and the meticulous laws that govern it. It adds another dimension to our understanding of the world and emphasizes the intricate balance of nature.