Book 7, Question 79
Why Does the Sun Feel Stronger at Noon?
The Sun feels stronger around noon because it is at its highest point in the sky. When the Sun is high, its light takes a shorter path through the air, so less light is lost along the way. More of it reaches you, and it feels punchier!
From the book
Page from A Million Whys Book 7
More fun facts
- Solar noon is when the Sun reaches its highest point in the sky for the day.
- In the tropics, there are two zero shadow days each year, when the Sun is directly overhead at solar noon.
- On zero shadow days, objects cast almost no shadow at noon.
- NOAA forecasts the UV Index, which measures how strong the Sun's skin-damaging rays will be.
- At a UV Index of 6 or higher, skin damage can happen in just a few minutes.
- Snow reflects UV light, which adds to your sun exposure.
Sources: NASA Science, NOAA
Questions kids ask
What is a zero shadow day?
A day in the tropics when the Sun is straight overhead at noon, so things cast almost no shadow.
What is the UV Index?
A forecast of how strong the Sun's skin-damaging rays will be.