Today is Zero Shadow Day in Bengaluru: What is it and Why Is It Held?

On Wednesday, April 24, Bangalore residents will see a unique astronomical occurrence that will cause their shadows to vanish entirely. The occurrence, known as Zero Shadow Day, will take place throughout Bengaluru between 12:17 and 12:23 p.m. on a latitude similar to Bengaluru, India.

Twice a year, there are Zero Shadow Days when the sun is exactly above and there are no shadows cast by any objects at midday. Notably, when the sun’s angle is almost perpendicular to the earth’s surface, the occurrence is usually seen in areas close to the equator.

A Zero Shadow Day: What Is It?
According to the Astronomical Society of India (ASI), locations between +23.5 and -23.5 degrees latitude experience Zero Shadow Day twice a year. During this period, there are no shadows cast on Earth since the sun is almost above at midday but transits slightly lower in height, either to the north or to the south.

Twice, during Uttarayan and Dakshinayan, the sun’s declination will match the latitude of those who live in these two specific degrees of latitude. The sun doesn’t throw any shadows on the earth during these two days, as it is perfectly above.

Crucial Information Regarding the Phenomenon
The axial tilt of the Earth is intimately related to zero shadow day.

In areas close to the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn, it occurs twice a year.

It takes place in July, August and May.

Zero Shadow Day aids astronomers and scientists in their research of the sun’s motion and location, as well as the tilt of the earth and its orbit around it.

Due to their location between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn, the Indian cities of Chennai, Mumbai, and Pune have a greater likelihood of experiencing Zero Shadow Days.

Although the Zero Shadow Day only lasts a few seconds, its impacts may be seen for a few minutes.

Even on a beautiful day, the sun’s beams are not exactly parallel. Nonetheless, the light beams are gently bent by the atmosphere to merge.

Meanwhile, on Zero Shadow Day, the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) will host unique activities at its Koramangala campus. The events are open to the public, and participation will provide participants the opportunity to see the phenomena.

FAQs for Zero Shadow Day
ZERO SHADE DAY PHENOMENON: WHAT IS IT?
Twice a year, locations between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn experience a phenomenon known as Zero Shadow Day (ZSD). For a short moment during this time, the sun is directly above, meaning that nothing casts a shadow on anything.

WHY IS THERE A ZERO SHADOW DAY?
This phenomenon is caused by the sun’s apparent movement during the year and the Earth’s tilt on its axis. At some latitudes, the sun passes directly above it twice a year. When this occurs, shadows are temporarily eliminated because the sun’s rays strike the earth at a 90-degree angle.

WHERE IS ZERO SHADOW DAY AVAILABLE?
Zero Shadow Day is only experienced in places that are approximately between the Tropics of Cancer (about 23.5 degrees north) and Capricorn (about 23.5 degrees south).

WHAT TIME IS ZERO SHADOW DAY?
Around the summer and winter solstices, ZSD occurs twice a year. The precise dates may vary significantly depending on the location.

WHAT IS THE LENGTH OF ZERO SHADOW DAY?
The time without shadows is usually quite short, a few minutes or even seconds. On the other hand, the impact could be seen for a little while longer.

WHAT IS THE IMPORTANCE OF ZERO SHADOW DAY?
Zero Shadow Day is more than just a spectacular celestial phenomenon; it may be used to calibrate astronomical equipment and confirm the sun’s location.

WHAT SAFE PREPARATIONS ARE THERE FOR ZERO SHADOW DAY?
There are no safety issues associated with Zero Shadow Day itself. But, during this occurrence or at any other time, avoid staring straight at the sun since it might cause eye damage.