On Tuesday, April 25, citizens will experience a rare celestial phenomenon in Bangalore. Vertical objects in the city will be shadowless for a short time. The event is scheduled to take place at 12:17 PM IST and has been named the Zero Shadow Day.
What Is Zero Shadow Day?
Zero Shadow Day is an event that occurs twice a year, when the sun is directly overhead and there is no shadow. This is because the sun is exactly perpendicular to the earth's surface, so no shadows are cast.
During this event, the sun is at its highest point in the sky at any time of the year, providing an unobstructed view of the sun [1]. Zero shadow days usually occur twice a year and are important events for astronomers and other scientists because they serve as benchmarks for studying the Sun's movement and position in the sky. It is also celebrated as an important cultural event in some countries.
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What Is The Science Behind Zero Shadow Day?
The science of zero shadow days is based on the tilt of the earth relative to the sun. The tilt of the Earth is why we experience seasons and determines how much sunlight reaches us at any given moment.
On a zero shadow day, the sun is directly overhead and the shadow length is 0. This happens because the sun's rays hit the earth perpendicularly. This tilt is known as the ecliptic tilt and is why the sun is directly overhead only twice a year at these latitudes.
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The timing of Zero Shadow Days varies slightly throughout the year, depending on your geographic location. This is because the position of the Sun relative to the Earth changes over time as the Earth revolves around the Sun. The date of zero shadow day also depends on the length of the day in different parts of the world and the tilt of the Earth's axis [3].
Does The Shadow Really Vanish In The Zero Shadow Day?
Yes, on zero shadow days, the sun is directly overhead, so shadows disappear. This phenomenon is due to the fact that when the sun is directly on an object, it does not cast a shadow because the light travels perpendicular to the object instead of at an angle [4].
What Happens On A Zero Shadow Day?
To observe Zero Shadow Day, a special tool is used that measures the angle of the sun and the length of shadows created by objects. When the sun is directly overhead, the angle is at the zenith and casts no shadow.
In addition to its scientific significance, Zero Shadow Day is also celebrated in some cultures. This day is considered a day of celebration and a time to marvel at the beauty of the sun and its power on earth.
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