When are shadows shortest?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking about the specific times when shadows are at their shortest length, which is typically associated with the position of the sun in the sky.
Answer
Shadows are shortest at local noon.
Shadows are shortest when the sun reaches its highest point in the sky, at local noon.
Answer for screen readers
Shadows are shortest when the sun reaches its highest point in the sky, at local noon.
More Information
Shadows are shortest at local noon because the sun is at its highest point in the sky, directly overhead, minimizing the length of the shadow.
Tips
A common mistake is to assume shadows are shortest during sunrise or sunset when they are actually longest.
Sources
- The web page with info on - California Academy of Sciences - docent.calacademy.org
- Shadows and Sunlight - Journey North - journeynorth.org
- Do we get shortest shadow of any object at Solstice time or Meridian time - Astronomy Stack Exchange - astronomy.stackexchange.com
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