Bengaluru witnessed an extraordinary celestial event on 18th August 2023, known as Zero Shadow Day. Zero Shadow Day, also known as ‘No Shadow Day’, is an astronomical phenomenon that occurs in specific regions on Earth where the Sun is positioned directly overhead at solar noon. This phenomenon happens due to the Earth’s axial tilt of approximately 23.5 degrees and its orbit around the Sun. Between the Tropic of Cancer (about 23.5 degrees north of the equator) and the Tropic of Capricorn (about 23.5 degrees south of the equator), there are instances when the Sun is exactly overhead at local solar noon.

To celebrate the Zero Shadow Day, Vydehi School of Excellence organized an activity where the students of grade 8 were encouraged to step outside during the Zero Shadow Day timeframe to witness the phenomenon firsthand. As the clock inched closer to the anticipated moment, students marvelled at how the angle of sunlight changed. The Sun appeared almost directly overhead, casting only the faintest of shadows.

Excited whispers and gasps of amazement filled the air as students realized that everyday objects like trees, benches, and even their own selves hardly cast any shadows.