Zero Shadow Day: Bengaluru illuminated by Zero Shadow Day — a rare astronomical phenomenon

Zero Shadow Day: Bengaluru, often referred to as India's Silicon Valley, is poised to bask in the marvel of a distinctive celestial event known as Zero Shadow Day. Today, at 12:24 pm, local residents will be treated to a captivating display as shadows dissolve during this extraordinary astronomical occurrence. Zero Shadow Day materialises when the sun takes its place directly overhead, casting no discernible shadow upon the Earth's surface. During this unique interval, vertical structures stand bereft of their customary shadows. Bengaluru previously experienced the enchantment of Zero Shadow Day on April 25.

Deciphering the essence of sero shadow day

Zero Shadow Day manifests twice each year in locales situated between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn, where, at high noon, the sun's rays align in such a manner that shadows essentially vanish. Normally, a shadow appears elongated when observed on the ground. Yet, during this particular phenomenon, the shadow aligns perfectly beneath the object, resulting in a brief spell of shadowlessness. This is achieved when the sun reaches its zenith, marking the pinnacle of its revolution.

The science behind zero shadow day

The underlying cause of Zero Shadow Day is Earth's axial tilt, approximately 23.5 degrees, combined with its orbital path around the sun. Due to this configuration, the sun is never precisely overhead, maintaining a slightly lower trajectory either to the north or south. This tilt is also responsible for the Earth's varying seasons. As the Earth orbits the sun, the angle at which the sun's rays intersect the planet's surface shifts, consequently altering the direction of cast shadows. Within regions spanning between the Tropic of Cancer (about 23.5 degrees north of the equator) and the Tropic of Capricorn (about 23.5 degrees south of the equator), instances arise when the sun aligns perfectly overhead. As the sun's rays penetrate nearly vertically, minimal to no shadow is cast upon upright structures.

When does zero shadow day grace the skies?

Zero Shadow Day typically occurs twice annually within tropical zones when the sun crosses the zenith point. The exact dates of this occurrence can vary contingent on specific geographical locations and their latitudes.