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Time of India
22-04-2025
- Science
- Time of India
Bengaluru to witness ‘Zero Shadow Day' on April 24; here's the science behind the phenomenon
Zero Shadow Day is a truly intriguing astrophysical phenomenon and a one-off chance to watch the sun and Earth interact with each other head-on. When the sun remains directly above during noon, vertically standing objects stop casting visible shadow for a second or so. This phenomenon exists because the sunlight strikes in precisely a 90-degree angle such that the shadow points straight downwards, practically putting objects out of sight. The phenomenon is easily seen in the areas between the Equator and the Tropic of Cancer, such as in Indian cities such as Bengaluru, Chennai, and Mangaluru. Discover the science behind this phenomenon and everything you need to know about. Bengaluru set to experience Zero Shadow Day: Date and time Bengaluru, often referred to as the Silicon Valley of India, is poised to experience a Zero Shadow Day at approximately 12:17 pm on April 24. According to scientists from the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), during this rare event, the sun will be directly overhead, resulting in vertical objects casting no shadow whatsoever. What is Zero Shadow Day by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trade Bitcoin & Ethereum – No Wallet Needed! IC Markets Start Now Undo Zero Shadow Day is the day when the sun is directly overhead, or the place in the sky exactly above a particular place. When this occurs, the rays of the sun hit the Earth at right angles, and vertical structures such as trees, poles, and buildings never cast a shadow. Instead of the slanting shadows we're accustomed to in daylight, everything that stands upright will have its shadow below it, essentially beyond the eye of man. The effect will take place within a brief time period around noon when the sun is overhead, at its highest point in the sky. Throughout the remainder of the day, shadows will be as usual because Earth continues to rotate. The Earth is tilted approximately 23.5 degrees on its axis and thus the sun does not travel in a straight line across the sky throughout the year. The reason is that, because the Earth is tilted, the sun is never directly overhead at any location on the planet. However, in regions between the Tropic of Cancer (23.5°N) and the Tropic of Capricorn (23.5°S), there are certain months of the year when the sun will be directly overhead at noon. Science behind Zero Shadow Day phenomenon According to Dr. Niruj Mohan Ramanujam, the director of Indian Institute of Astrophysics' Science Communication, Public Outreach, and Education (SCOPE) division the phenomenon repeats itself twice a year in cities like Bengaluru and follows the path of the sun in the sky. The sun's rays are vertical and strike the Earth during noon when the sun is highest on the horizon of the day. This coincidence with the zenith only takes place between latitudes in the Equator and the Tropic of Cancer. The sun is not directly over more northerly or southern cities, so Zero Shadow Day is a single occurrence for specific latitudes. Cities that experience Zero Shadow Day This is a phenomenon that is not limited only to Bengaluru, India. It is common to every city located between the Equator and the Tropic of Cancer (23.5°N latitude). These cities have direct sunlight at some time of the year, and because of this, the phenomenon of Zero Shadow Day is experienced. Bengaluru: Zero Shadow Day is celebrated twice a year, first on April 24 or April 25 and then on August 18. The date is slightly off every year based on the physics of Earth's orbit. Chennai: Chennai also experiences the same phenomenon since it lies at a lower latitude where the phenomenon is even more pronounced. Mangaluru: Even this sea-level city gets to experience the phenomenon of Zero Shadow Day since it falls between the Equator and the Tropic of Cancer. Such cities fall on those latitudes that have the Sun directly overhead solar zenith and hence Zero Shadow Day is a routine phenomenon. Timing of Zero Shadow Day Zero Shadow Day occurs on a date calculated based on the Earth's orbit and the tilt of its axis. As the Earth orbits around the sun, different regions of the world get direct sunlight at different times of the year. Zero Shadow Day, for instance, occurs twice a year in Bengaluru, in April and August. The date and time slightly differ from year to year but generally around noon. Zero Shadow Day significance Zero Shadow Day offers a bigger optical event; it offers the chance to witness the way the Earth's axis tilt and orbit determine how sunlight dances upon the Earth. To those privileged to observe it, the effect is reminiscent of heavenly forces that govern the life of the Earth. It also provides excellent opportunities for science education and outreach because individuals can easily visualize the impact of the Earth's movement. Zero Shadow Day can be a good source to teach students about events such as the rotation of the Earth, sun path along the sky, and the process by which the latitude controls the amount and direction of light. It is a physical occurrence of the Earth's tilt and orbit causing various phenomena such as the day duration and seasons. Also Read | Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla to study tardigrades, space farming, and other key experiments during Axiom-4 mission in May
Time of India
22-04-2025
- Science
- Time of India
Zero shadow day in Bengaluru on April 24; step outside at 12.17pm and see the sun do magic
BENGALURU: Bengaluru will experience the ' zero shadow ' phenomenon at exactly 12.17pm on April 24, when the sun is directly overhead, according to scientists at the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA). Niruj Mohan Ramanujam, Head of IIA's Science Communication, Public Outreach, and Education (SCOPE) section, explained that during this event, the sun reaches its zenith, causing vertical objects to cast no visible shadows as they fall directly beneath them. All locations in India situated below the Tropic of Cancer—including Bengaluru, Chennai, and Mangaluru—experience Zero Shadow Day , according to Ramanujam. In Bengaluru, this phenomenon occurs typically around April 24–25 and again on August 18, he stated. Zero Shadow Day will reach the Tropic of Cancer on June 21, the summer solstice and the end of Uttarayana—the sun's northward journey in the Hindu calendar, Ramanujam added.
Hindustan Times
22-04-2025
- Science
- Hindustan Times
Bengaluru set to witness ‘Zero Shadow Day' on April 24. Here is the timing and full details
On April 24, Bengaluru will experience a fascinating celestial event known as Zero Shadow Day at excatly 12.17 PM. Scientists from the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) have confirmed that during this rare moment, the sun will be positioned directly overhead, causing vertical objects to lose their shadows entirely. Also Read - 'Just another road rage, nothing to do with Kannada': Bengaluru Police dispute IAF officer's claim Dr. Niruj Mohan Ramanujam, who leads the Science Communication, Public Outreach, and Education (SCOPE) division at IIA, explained that this phenomenon occurs when the sun reaches its highest point in the sky—referred to as the zenith. As a result, shadows fall directly underneath objects and become invisible to the human eye. Zero Shadow Day isn't unique to Bengaluru. It takes place in all cities located between the Equator and the Tropic of Cancer, including places like Chennai and Mangaluru. In Bengaluru, this phenomenon typically occurs twice a year—around April 24–25 and again around August 18, said Dr. Ramanujam. Also Read - 'This is what Karnataka has become': Blood on face, IAF officer recounts Bengaluru assault He further noted that the sun's vertical path continues until it hits the Tropic of Cancer, where Zero Shadow Day aligns with the summer solstice on June 21. This also marks the end of Uttarayana, the northward movement of the sun according to the Hindu calendar. Zero Shadow Day happens when the sun is exactly overhead at noon in certain locations. During this brief period, vertical objects like poles or a person standing straight won't cast a visible shadow. It can be observed only in places between the Equator and the Tropic of Cancer and occurs twice a year in each location. It's a simple but stunning demonstration of how the Earth's tilt and orbit affect how we see the sun.
Hans India
22-04-2025
- Science
- Hans India
‘Zero shadow' to hit Bengaluru on April 24
Bengaluru: At exactly 12.17 PM on April 24, when the sun is directly overhead, Bengaluru will experience the 'zero shadow' phenomenon, according to scientists at the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA). Niruj Mohan Ramanujam, Head of IIA's Science Communication, Public Outreach, and Education (SCOPE) section, said that during this event, the sun reaches its zenith, causing vertical objects to cast no visible shadows as they fall directly beneath them. All locations in India situated below the Tropic of Cancer—including Bengaluru, Chennai, and Mangaluru—experience Zero Shadow Day, Ramanujam told PTI. In Bengaluru, this occurs typically around April 24–25 and again on August 18, he added. Zero Shadow Day will reach the Tropic of Cancer on June 21, the summer solstice and the end of Uttarayana—the sun's northward journey in the Hindu calendar, Ramanujam further said.
Time of India
21-04-2025
- Science
- Time of India
Bengaluru to experience 'zero shadow' on April 24; Check details here
At exactly 12.17 PM on April 24, when the sun is directly overhead, Bengaluru will experience the 'zero shadow' phenomenon, according to scientists at the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA). Niruj Mohan Ramanujam, Head of IIA's Science Communication, Public Outreach, and Education (SCOPE) section, said that during this event, the sun reaches its zenith, causing vertical objects to cast no visible shadows as they fall directly beneath them. All locations in India situated below the Tropic of Cancer-including Bengaluru, Chennai, and Mangaluru-experience Zero Shadow Day, Ramanujam told PTI. What is Zero Shadow Day? In Bengaluru, this occurs typically around April 24-25 and again on August 18, he added. Zero Shadow Day will reach the Tropic of Cancer on June 21, the summer solstice and the end of Uttarayana-the sun's northward journey in the Hindu calendar, Ramanujam further said. The Sun does not rise exactly in the east or set exactly in the west every day, and neither does it pass directly overhead every day. This is because of the axial tilt of the Earth of 23.5 degrees, which is the cause of seasons as well. Live Events The Sun is directly overhead the Tropic of Cancer on 21 June (summer solstice in the northern hemisphere) and then journeys southwards as seen from the Earth, called Dakshinayana. The Sun is then directly overhead the Equator on 23 September (autumnal equinox for northern hemisphere), and is overhead the Tropic of Capricorn on 22 December. It is then seen to journey northwards, called Uttarayana, and is overhead the Equator again on 21 March, and so on. Hence, the Sun is directly overhead locations between the two tropics twice a year, and this day varies with latitude. When the Sun is directly overhead, the shadow of a vertical object falls under it, and hence no shadow will be seen at local noon. Hence, this is called the Zero Shadow Day (ZSD).
