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What: The Cosmology Education and Research Training Center (COSMOS), Mysuru, observed ‘Zero Shadow Day’ (ZSD).
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Why: ZSD is a celestial phenomenon where the sun is directly overhead, causing vertical objects to cast no shadow. This happens twice a year for locations between the Tropic of Cancer and Tropic of Capricorn.
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How Observed: COSMOS conducted demonstrations and experiments using Gnomons (Shanku Yantra) where participants measured shadow lengths, observed sunspots, and calculated the sun’s declination.
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Occurence: ZSD happens when the Sun’s declination aligns with a location’s latitude. Mysuru experiences ZSD on April 22 and August 19.
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Who experiences: Locations between the Tropic of Cancer and Capricorn will experience ZSD twice a year.
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Why is it important: This phenomenon showcases the Earth’s axial tilt and its orbit around the sun, impacting the angle of sunlight throughout the year and affecting shadow direction and length. It offers an opportunity for public engagement with astronomy and scientific observation.
Zero Shadow Day
