Celestial Event
Zero Shadow Day 2024 – Ahmedabad
Published on June 1, 2024 by StarGazing India Team
On June 13, 2024, the city of Ahmedabad witnessed a fascinating and rare celestial event: Zero Shadow Day. For a brief moment at local noon, the Sun was positioned exactly overhead, causing vertical objects to cast no shadow at all. StarGazing India was thrilled to organize public observation events to share this marvel of orbital mechanics with students and enthusiasts.
What is Zero Shadow Day?
Zero Shadow Day (ZSD) is a phenomenon that occurs twice a year for locations situated between the Tropic of Cancer (23.5° N) and the Tropic of Capricorn (23.5° S). On this day, the Sun's declination becomes exactly equal to the latitude of the location. As the Sun reaches its highest point in the sky (the zenith), its rays fall perfectly vertically on the ground, making any upright object appear to have no shadow.
Zero Shadow Day 2024 in Major Indian Cities
This event is a great practical demonstration of the Earth's axial tilt. Here are the approximate dates for ZSD in some major Indian cities for 2024:
| City | Approx. 1st ZSD | Approx. 2nd ZSD |
|---|---|---|
| Ahmedabad | June 13 | June 29 |
| Mumbai | May 28 | July 15 |
| Bengaluru | April 24 | August 18 |
| Chennai | April 24 | August 18 |
| Kolkata | June 5 | July 7 |
| Delhi | Never occurs (Located north of the Tropic of Cancer) |
Science in Action: Ahmedabad Event
StarGazing India, in collaboration with local schools and science clubs, organized an observation event in Ahmedabad. Participants used simple, everyday objects like bottles, poles, and specially designed gnomons to watch their shadows shrink and vanish precisely at 12:41 PM IST.
It was a moment of pure scientific wonder, turning a school playground into a live laboratory. This hands-on experience helps demystify complex topics like Earth's rotation, its tilted axis, and the concept of latitude, making them tangible and exciting for learners of all ages.
"Seeing the shadow disappear with your own eyes is a powerful experience. It connects textbook concepts to the real world in a way that lectures never can." — A participating science teacher
Join Our Next Event
Missed this Zero Shadow Day? Don't worry! StarGazing India hosts public and private astronomy events throughout the year, from meteor shower watch parties to deep-sky telescope sessions. Follow us on our social media channels to stay updated on upcoming celestial events.
To organize a similar science outreach program at your school, society, or organization, get in touch with us!