When their own shadow betrayed Bengalureans

Rare occurrence

Bengalureans could not see their own shadow at 12.17 pm on Monday as the sun’s declination matched the city’s latitude. With the sun at its zenith, in line with Bengaluru’s latitude (12.97 degrees north), no shadows were seen.

The sun’s declination keeps varying between +23 and -23. When it matches the latitude, no shadow is seen. A similar occurrence would take place on August 19, 2016, which people could observe by placing a glass tumbler with water in the sun and watch its shadow disappear, officials at the Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium said. A demonstration of the phenomenon at the planetarium drew schoolchildren in good numbers.

Meanwhile, the Sky Theatre at the planetarium will remain shut for renovation and people will have to wait for at least six months to watch the astronomical shows. The shows have been stopped since March 1 and would not be on through the summer holidays.

The planetarium is introducing advanced audio-visual equipment into the set-up to enhance the experience for visitors. Until a month ago, the planetarium used an optomechanical device installed in 1989. This system that used projectors to showcase stars and planets will give way to a hybrid system imported from Germany at Rs 12 crore. Funds were provided by the Department of Science and Technology.

Speaking to reporters, B S Shylaja, director of the planetarium, said, “In the digital era, people’s expectations are high. The present system was not compatible with the digital era.

With the new system, an immersing effect would be felt. For instance, when the show is on, people can have an experience as if passing through the rings of Saturn.”