Zero Shadow Day Observed Across Kutch – June 2017

The rare celestial event known as Zero Shadow Day (ZSD) was successfully observed across Kutch on 12th and 13th June 2017, drawing the attention of over 1,000 students, teachers, and astronomy enthusiasts. The programs were guided and organized by the Kutch Astronomy Club (StarGazing India) with enthusiastic participation from schools, principals, and science educators.

🌞 What is Zero Shadow Day?

Zero Shadow Day occurs twice a year for locations between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn. On this day, when the Sun is exactly overhead, all vertical objects lose their shadow for a brief moment.

In Kutch, this phenomenon occurred around 12:51 PM IST on 12th and 13th June 2017.

This unique event helps students understand Earth’s axial tilt, rotation, and latitude-based solar motion, bridging classroom science with real-world experience.

🏫 Key Observations in Kutch

1. Bhuj – Matruchhaya Girls High School (13 June 2017)

• Over 400 students participated in hands-on observations.
• Students measured and recorded the vanishing shadows.
• Event facilitated by Nishant Gor Nirzar and Dayaram Jansari of Kutch Astronomy Club.
• Teachers and Trustee Naliniben motivated students throughout the program.

2. V.D. High School, Bhuj (13 June 2017)

• Organized by members of the Indian Planetary Society with support from the Astronomy Club.
• Key facilitators included Kuldeepsinh Sandhu, Pravin Maheshwari, Nirad Vaidya, Kishan Thakker, and Narendra Gor.
• Teachers and Principal provided strong cooperation.
• Students actively took part in experiments to measure shadow length variations.

3. Matruchhaya Kanya Vidyalay – Awareness Lecture (12 June 2017)

• Lecture by Mr. Narendra Gor conducted on the eve of ZSD.
• More than 500 students attended.
• Students were encouraged to spread awareness among their families and friends to witness this rare astronomical event.

4. Naranpar School, Ta. Bhuj (12 June 2017, 12:51 IST | 23.121°N, 69.589°E)

• Event guided by the Kutch Astronomy Club.
• Present: Science Teacher Jignaben, Principal Mrs. Rawal, and Director Maganbhai Suthar.
• Narendra Gor delivered a lecture on the history and importance of Zero Shadow Day.
• Students observed the phenomenon in the playground with great excitement.

5. Meghpar School, Ta. Bhuj (12 June 2017, 12:51 IST | 23.114°N, 69.559°E)

• Zero Shadow Day observed under the guidance of Shri Anil Dabhi and his team.
• Students carefully noted the disappearance of shadows and understood its scientific significance.

🌍 Educational Impact

• More than 1,000 students across Kutch directly participated in the 2017 ZSD observations.
• Students not only witnessed but also measured, recorded, and analyzed data, turning the event into a live science laboratory.
• Teachers and principals reported a surge of curiosity in astronomy and science education among students.

✨ Conclusion

The Zero Shadow Day 2017 programs in Kutch successfully combined astronomy outreach, science education, and community participation. For many students, this was the first time experiencing astronomy beyond textbooks.

“Astronomy is the bridge between science and wonder. Events like Zero Shadow Day bring the cosmos closer to our classrooms, inspiring the next generation of scientists.” — Mr. Narendra Gor

📌 Organized by: Kutch Astronomy Club / StarGazing India

Contact: +91 98795 54770

Website: www.stargazingindia.com