In Bengaluru, locals are getting ready for a special celestial event on Wednesday, where their shadows will disappear momentarily during ‘Zero Shadow Day.’ This rare occurrence will take place from 12:17 pm to 12:23 pm on April 24 and will be observed in areas at similar latitudes as Bengaluru.
Located at a latitude of 13.0 degrees north, Bengaluru witnesses this phenomenon twice annually, commonly around April 24/25 and August 18. It typically coincides with the equinoxes in March and September every year.
Apart from Bengaluru, individuals in locations like Kanyakumari, Bhopal, Hyderabad, and Mumbai may also experience the phenomenon.
Zero Shadow Day in Other Indian Cities:
– Kanyakumari: April 10 and September 01 (Local Noon: 12:21, 12:22)
– Bengaluru: April 24 and August 18 (Local Noon: 12:17, 12:25)
– Hyderabad: May 09 and August 05 (Local Noon: 12:12, 12:19)
– Bhopal :June 13 and June 28 (Local Noon: 12:20, 12:23)
ZERO SHADOW DAY:
Zero Shadow Day marks an astronomical occurrence when the Sun aligns directly overhead at solar noon due to Earth’s axial tilt of approximately 23.5 degrees and its orbit around the Sun. This event is notably prominent near the equator, where the Sun passes directly overhead during the equinoxes. It happens twice annually in regions positioned between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn.
WHEN DOES ZERO SHADOW DAY TYPICALLY HAPPEN?
Zero Shadow Day takes place twice a year in areas between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn. As outlined by the Astronomical Society of India (ASI), it occurs when the Sun reaches its zenith, with specific dates varying depending on locations and latitudes.
This occasion carries both cultural and educational importance, often revered as a remarkable astronomical event. It provides a platform to enlighten individuals about Earth’s axial tilt, its orbit around the Sun, and the shifting angles of sunlight throughout the year.