Mumbai witnesses Zero Shadow Day: What exactly is that
What's the story
Residents in Mumbai were treated to a magical moment this Monday afternoon, as they witnessed the extraordinary Zero Shadow Day. In this rare celestial phenomenon, the sunlight cast no shadows. Excited locals couldn't resist sharing videos and photographs on social media of the magical moment. Everyone was amazed by this unique event and it got the mass talking about it.
ZSD
It occurs due to unique sun-Earth alignment
This intriguing phenomenon takes place twice a year, when the sun aligns directly overhead, resulting in Zero Shadow Day. On these special days, the sun reaches its zenith in the sky, causing shadows to disappear from the Earth's surface. The way the sun is positioned makes shadows so short that they seem to vanish completely, becoming invisible to our eyes.
ASI
The Astronomical Society of India explains this phenomenon
"For people living between +23.5 and -23.5 degrees latitude, the Sun's declination will be equal to their latitude twice - once during Uttarayan and once during Dakshinayan," the Astronomical Society of India noted. They further add, "On these two days, the Sun will be exactly overhead at noon and will not cast a shadow of an object on the ground."
Social media
People couldn't resist capturing this rare phenomenon
The absence of shadows in the presence of sunlight left everyone in awe and sparked a wave of excitement among Mumbaikars. As a result, people couldn't resist capturing the moment and sharing their experiences on social media. Videos and images showing objects casting zero shadows flooded Twitter and Instagram feeds, as everyone was enchanted by this unique occurrence.
Twitter Post
A Twitter user posted pictures of the phenomenon
Zero shadow day date 14 /5/2023 pic.twitter.com/Fh9V9RmV2y
— NILESH BORATE (@nileshpborate) May 14, 2023
Twitter Post
Another user posted a video of the same
Zero Shadow Day #ZSD in Mumbai. It’s a phenomenon which occurs only twice a year. For Mumbai, the days are 15th May and 28th July. July is normally rainy hence 15th May is best for observation. pic.twitter.com/8rl20mC8vb
— जय भवानी जय शिवाजी 🇮🇳 (@MaheshGNaik) May 15, 2023
Twitter Post
Science clubs conducted experiments using cylindrical objects
A zero shadow day is a day on which the Sun does not cast a shadow of an object at solar noon, when the sun will be exactly at the zenith position
— Rod (If You're Reading This, I Think You're Great) (@MyFinal_Heaven) May 15, 2023
Image below, is a Zero Shadow Day Experiment being conducted with cylindrical objects pic.twitter.com/XIjqbPGjzy
Twitter Post
Pune witnessed this phenomenon a day earlier
A zero shadow day is when the Sun does not cast a shadow of an object at solar noon. It happens twice a year for locations in the tropics
— Massimo (@Rainmaker1973) May 14, 2023
This is in Pune, India, May 13
[read more: https://t.co/OpxgDrJh0t]
[source, u/chiuchebaba: https://t.co/DndcEHEMbq]pic.twitter.com/MNoTNCKE0H
Information
Missed it? You can witness it again on July 28
Mumbaikars were excited to experience the first Zero Shadow Day, and they have another opportunity to witness this special phenomenon on July 28. Hyderabad had the privilege of seeing this extraordinary event on May 9, while Bengaluru had its turn earlier on April 25.