Bengaluru experienced Zero Shadow Day

Bengaluru recently experienced Zero Shadow Day, a fascinating celestial event that occurs twice a year in cities located between the Equator and the Tropic of Cancer.

What is Zero Shadow Day? 

 It happens when the sun is directly overhead at noon, causing vertical objects to cast no visible shadow for a brief moment.

• This phenomenon occurs due to the Earth’s axial tilt (23.5°), which affects the sun’s position throughout the year. • Cities like Bengaluru, Chennai, and Mangaluru experience this event twice annually, typically around April 24–25 and August 18.

Why Does This Happen? 

 • The sun’s apparent movement shifts between the Tropic of Cancer (23.5°N) and Tropic of Capricorn (23.5°S) throughout the year. • When the sun’s position matches a city’s latitude, sunlight falls vertically, eliminating shadows.