Everything You Need To Know About Bengaluru’s Zero Shadow Day

August 2023 is a month of many rare celestial occurrences. From the Sturgeon supermoon at its beginning to the rare Blue Moon at the end of the month, astronomical enthusiasts have a busy month in store. And if the stars spark your curiosity and you happen to be around Bengaluru this week, there is a special event coming up soon that deserves a spot in your calendar: a Zero Shadow Day.

Bengaluru’s Zero Shadow Day in August 2023

What is Zero Shadow Day?

Exactly as the name implies, Zero Shadow Day will have the sun overhead for the better part of the day, resulting in no shadows on the Earth’s surface.

When will the Zero Shadow Day be observed?

Zero Shadow Day will take place in Bengaluru on 18 August 2023. People can go out and observe the phenomenon on their own (with appropriate sun protection, of course!) or visit the Indian Institute of Astrophysics’ Kormangala campus in the city to observe the event through the various activities organised by them, like erecting vertical poles in the ground to observe the lack of shadows. It’s perfectly safe to observe the event with your own eyes, unlike other celestial events like an eclipse.

How often does a Zero Shadow Day occur?

This rare celestial event occurs twice a year. Previously, Bengaluru observed a Zero Shadow Day on April 25 of this year.

Why does a Zero Shadow Day occur?

According to the Astronomical Society Of India, a Zero Shadow Day occurs when the sun reaches its highest point in the sky, which results in the reduction of the length of the shadow to the extent that it’s no longer visible. It usually occurs between regions that are located between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn (23.5 and -23.5 degrees latitude).

Will other cities be able to observe a Zero Shadow Day too?

The date and time of the celestial event may vary depending on the location of Earth and its position in relation to the Sun. This time, Bengaluru will observe a Zero Shadow Day for the second time this year. Previously, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Bhubaneswar have observed the event too.