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ZERO SHADOW DAY

23rd April, 2024

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

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. Consider the following statements in the context of the Zero Shadow Day:

1. Zero Shadow Day is experienced when there is no sunlight.

2. It occurs twice a year for all latitudes on Earth.

3. It is caused by the tilt of the Earth's axis.

4. It is a phenomenon observed only in polar regions.

How many of the above statements are incorrect?

A) Only one

B) Only two

C) Only three

D) All four

Answer: C