Question

(Thought question) At noon On June 21 will the shadow length of 42 degrees north latitude be shorter or longer than it is on March 21? And, what is your reason for saying it will be either shorter or longer?

Answer 1

Answer: Shorter

Explanation: Shadow is formed when an light source is obstructed by an opaque object. The closer the source, shorter is the length of the shadow. In fact, when the source is exactly overhead, no shadow of the object is formed.

June 21 marks the Summer solstice which means the Sun passes directly overhead Tropic of cancer (23.5° N) at noon. March 21 marks the equinox which means sun passes directly overhead equator (0°).

Shadow length of an object at 42° Northern latitude will be shorter on June 21 because the Sun will be closer to this latitude as compared to March 21.