Why Are Shadows So Long Near the Poles?

What Crafty Clover says in this video

Intro

Hi there, curious minds! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. Why are shadows so long near the poles?

The Big Idea

Shadows are so long near the poles because the Sun sits low in the sky! A low Sun stretches shadows far across the ground. Let's measure.

Low Sun

Step one: a low Sun. When the Sun is low in the sky, its light hits things at a slant. Objects block that light and cast long shadows. Think about your own shadow on a sunset evening.

Stretched Shadows

Step two: stretched shadows. A person's shadow can be twice as tall as the person or even much longer. The lower the Sun, the longer the shadow. It stretches out like a long ribbon.

A Clock Hand

Step three: a clock hand. At the pole, the Sun circles at about the same height all day. So your shadow stays long and slowly sweeps around you like a clock hand. It is the same trick all day long.

A Closer Look

Let's take a closer look! A low Sun shines sideways. That makes shadows stretch out. They sweep around you once every day. Even a small ice ridge can cast a giant shadow. That is why pictures from the poles show giant shadows.

Quick Facts

Quick facts! At the pole, your shadow can swing around you once every day. A shadow is longest when the Sun is lowest. Midday shadows near the equator are short. Never look at the Sun to check its position. Play with shadows using a flashlight.

Think Like a Scientist

Now, think like a scientist! Place a toy figure on a table. Shine a flashlight from a low angle. Then raise the light. How does the shadow length change?

Outro

A low Sun makes long shadows at the poles. Science is amazing! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!