When the Sun decides to play hide and seek with the shadows
Get ready, earthlings, because this May the king star will perform his favorite magic act in Mexico: the Day without a Shadow. Yes, that moment when the Sun, in a fit of celestial diva, positions itself right above us and makes the shadows disappear like the likes on a controversial post. Astronomical phenomenon or the best lighting trick since Netflix adjusts the brightness in its thrillers? Science says the first thing, but it’s still to take a selfie.
What the hell is this and why should I care?
Imagine that the Sun is that friend who always arrives late to parties, but when it appears, it does so at the zenith (read: highest point in the sky). In that glorious moment, the light falls so straight that the shadows fade faster than the desire to exercise in January. According to the brainiacs at UNAM, this only happens in the zone between the tropics (blessed are the tropical ones) and happens twice a year: once between May-June and another in July-August. Basically, it’s like Black Friday for astronomy, but without the lines.
Of course, not everyone in Mexico will see it on the same day. The Earth is democratic, but the Sun is more of “to each his own schedule.” Here is the schedule for this show without the box office:
- CDMX: May 17 (ideal for those who love events on Thursdays).
- Mérida: May 19 (for the southerners who see everything two days later).
- Cancún and Villahermosa: May 23 (when the Caribbean steals the show).
Millennial guide so you don’t miss the event
Do you want to brag in your stories that you saw something more interesting than the latest kitten meme? Follow these steps:
- Check the exact time: It is not like the horoscope that is valid all day. The Sun doesn’t wait for anyone, not even if you set a reminder on Google Calendar.
- Get a random object: A broom, a bottle of kombucha… whatever you have on hand. If you forgot, you can always use your brother-in-law standing in the yard.
- Watch the drama: The shadows get shorter like patience in morning traffic. When they disappear, bingo! The Sun is at its peak of prominence.
- Document for the ‘feed’: Use the time-lapse of your cell phone (yes, the same one you only use at concerts). If it doesn’t turn out well, you can always edit it with a “cosmic” filter.
Pro tip: Don’t look at the Sun directly, unless you want your eyes to look like crashed eggs. Sunscreen, hat and water, because the star does not even forgive influencers.
Why is this cooler than an eclipse?
While eclipses are like Taylor Swift concerts (everyone talks about them but few see them), Day Without a Shadow is that indie artist that only true fans appreciate. You don’t need special lenses, just curiosity and a place without buildings to ruin the photo. Plus, it’s the perfect excuse to go out into the yard and pretend you’re interested in science (TikTok’s algorithm doesn’t have to know that you just did it for the content).
Ready for the phenomenon? Mark the dates, prepare your cell phone and don’t forget to tag NASA (just in case). The universe is about to give you the best material for your networks!
Did you like this content? Share it with that friend who always says “how boring space” and show him that even shadows know how to dance. 🚀
