CURRENT AFFAIRS
CURRENT AFFAIRS
Description
The Cosmology Education and Research Training Center (COSMOS) under the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), Mysuru, recently marked the observation of Zero Shadow Day (ZSD), a rare and fascinating astronomical event.
About Zero Shadow Day (ZSD)
Zero Shadow Day occurs when the Sun is positioned exactly overhead at a specific location, causing vertical objects on the ground to cast virtually no shadow. This happens because the Sun’s rays fall perpendicular to the surface of the Earth, eliminating the usual elongated shadows.
This phenomenon is only experienced by regions located between the Tropic of Cancer (23.5° North) and the Tropic of Capricorn (23.5° South).
It results from the combination of the Earth’s axial tilt and its revolution around the Sun, which together alter the Sun’s apparent position in the sky throughout the year.
Scientific Explanation
Zero Shadow Day takes place when the Sun's declination its angular distance north or south of the celestial equator becomes exactly equal to the latitude of a location.
As the Sun crosses the local meridian (the highest point it reaches in the sky), its rays strike the ground at a 90-degree angle relative to objects, resulting in the disappearance of shadows.
Although the exact moment of no shadow lasts only for a brief fraction of a second, the effect of the phenomenon the minimal shadow can be observed for about one to two minutes.
Zero Shadow Day Occur
Frequency:
- Locations situated between the two tropics experience two Zero Shadow Days every year.
Once during Uttarayan (the northward journey of the Sun) and
Once during Dakshinayan (the southward journey).
Variation by Location:
The exact date of ZSD varies based on the location's latitude.
It is not a global event but is specific to different places at different times.
Regions in India Experiencing ZSD:
Areas lying south of Bhopal's latitude regularly witness this event.
States and territories include: Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Goa, Maharashtra, Odisha, Daman & Diu, Dadra & Nagar Haveli, Gujarat (southern regions), Chhattisgarh, and parts of Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Tripura, and Mizoram.
Importance Of Observing Zero Shadow Day
Observations like ZSD are not just spectacular to witness but also offer educational opportunities:
They help in better understanding the Earth’s movement, Sun’s apparent motion, and celestial mechanics.
Such events provide practical demonstrations for concepts like latitude, solar declination, and the Earth’s axial tilt, making them valuable for students and astronomy enthusiasts.
Scientists and educators use ZSD to engage the public in basic astronomical principles and promote awareness about the dynamic nature of our solar system.
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