A shadow is an area where direct light from a light source cannot reach due to obstruction by an object. It occupies all of the space behind an opaque object with light in front of it. The cross section of a shadow is a two-dimensional silhouette, or reverse projection of the object blocking the light. The sun causes many objects to have shadows and at certain times of the day, when the sun is at certain heights, the lengths of shadows change.
An astronomical object casts human-visible shadows when its apparent magnitude is equal or lower than −4. Currently the only astronomical objects able to produce visible shadows on Earth are the sun, the moon and, in the right conditions, the planet Venus.
Read more about Shadow: Variation With Time, Non-point Source, Shadow Propagation Speed, Color of Shadow On Earth, In Photography, Fog Shadows, Other Notes, Mythological Connotations, Heraldry
Famous quotes containing the word shadow:
“Whether changes in the sibling relationship during adolescence create long-term rifts that spill over into adulthood depends upon the ability of brothers and sisters to constantly redefine their connection. Siblings either learn to accept one another as independent individuals with their own sets of values and behaviors or cling to the shadow of the brother and sister they once knew.”
—Jane Mersky Leder (20th century)
“...to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.”
—Bible: New Testament, Luke 1:76.
Zechariah speaking about his son.
“The whole shadow of Man is only as big as his hat.”
—Elizabeth Bishop (1911–1979)