Book 13, Question 25
Why Do Tall Buildings Leave Long, Cool Shadows on City Streets?
Tall buildings block the Sun, so their shadows fall across the street and make it cooler there. In winter, when the Sun is low, the shadows are especially long. Some streets stay in shade most of the day!
More fun facts
- Tall buildings cast large shadows on streets.
- Superthin, supertall towers in Manhattan block the sky over streets that once got sun.
- The problem is worst when tall buildings form canyons, like Wall Street in New York.
- Some city codes limit how long a building may shade parks, courtyards or patios.
- New York City's tallest building stands 1,776 feet (541 meters) tall.
Sources: National Geographic, BBC, National Geographic
Questions kids ask
Why do cities limit building shadows?
Shadows can keep sunlight off parks and patios people enjoy.