Zero Shadow Day observed in Trichy

Trichy: Residents of Trichy and nearby areas witnessed Zero Shadow Day on Thursday, a rare astronomical event during which objects cast no shadow at noon. The phenomenon occurs when the Sun is positioned exactly overhead, causing its rays to fall vertically and eliminating all shadows for a brief period.
"This happens twice a year in places between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn, as the Sun's apparent position—its declination—shifts throughout the year. On these two days, the declination matches the location's latitude, placing the Sun directly overhead at noon," explained K Balakrishnan, who conducted a science session for children at KK Nagar School.
The interactive event, held at 12 noon, featured hands-on activities to help students understand the concept. The shadowless moment in Trichy was observed around 12.15 pm.
Balakrishnan noted that Zero Shadow Day does not occur on the same date everywhere—it varies with latitude. In Trichy, the next occurrence will be on August 16. In Chennai, it is expected on April 26 and August 16; in Salem, on April 20 and August 22. Pudukkottai also observed it on Thursday, with the next on Aug 25. Thanjavur will experience it on April 18 and Aug 24.