ZERO SHADOW DAY

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Picture Courtesy: https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/puducherry/children-experience-zero-shadow-phenomenon/article68091017.ece

Context: The Zero Shadow Day (ZSD) provides a hands-on learning opportunity about the Earth's axial tilt and its effect on sunlight at different latitudes.

About Zero Shadow Day

• Zero Shadow Day occurs when the Sun is directly overhead at particular latitude, causing objects to cast no shadows at noon.
• Zero Shadow Day happens twice a year in regions located between the Tropic of Cancer (23.5 degrees north) and the Tropic of Capricorn (23.5 degrees south). The first occurrence is during (April/ May), when the Sun is moving northwards, and the second occurs during (around July/August), when the Sun is moving southwards.
• Although the exact moment of Zero Shadow occurs instantaneously, the effect can be observed for a short duration, typically lasting for about a minute to a minute-and-a-half. During this time, shadows disappear or become very minimal due to the Sun's direct overhead position.
• Zero Shadow Day highlights the Earth's axial tilt and its impact on the Sun's position relative to different latitudes. It serves as a practical demonstration of astronomy, showing how the Sun's angle affects shadow lengths and directions throughout the year.

Source:

The Hindu