Shadows are everywhere and yet we don’t often stop to take notice of shadows. They are everywhere, yet we rarely stop to notice. They trail us on the roads that are sunny, and slither over walls during sunset, only to disappear when the light turns. Shadows appear simple, and even boring, but they’re not. Behind every shadow lies a mixture of perception, science and history. They can also be a source of emotions. From ancient mythology to contemporary illusions shadows have always captivated people. Here are some interesting information about shadows that’ll inspire you to think twice next time a shadow appears in front of you.
10 Interesting Facts About Shadows
1. Shadows are not thing.
The most shocking things is the fact that a shadow isn’t an object. It’s simply lack of light. If something block light, the area behind it gets much less or none which creates shadows. It is impossible to touch a shadow and store it or capture it. It only exists since light has a existence.
2. Shadows always copy the shape of the shadow, but not the size.
Shadows replicate what the object’s outline but its size may change drastically. Small objects could cast a large shadow when the source of light is near. The reason shadows appear longer in the evening and morning as the Sun is at its lowest and shorter in the afternoon in the afternoon when the Sun is right over the horizon.
3. Shadows move in different directions throughout the day
As the Sun is moving through the skies, shadows gradually rotate around objects. Early in the day, they spread towards the west. By noon, they receding. Later in the evening they extend to the east. Ancient people made use of this movement to count time long before clocks came into existence.
4. People of the past feared shadows
In the past shadows were a signification for the soul. Many believed that destroying one’s shadow could be detrimental to the person. Some believed that shadows are signs of spirits or beings who are invisible. The reason for this was not knowing how light functions creating shadows that felt strange and alive.
5. Your shadow is the longest length at times when your Sun is at its weakest
In the time between sunset and sunrise the Sun’s light strikes Earth at an angle that is low. This results in extremely long shadows which can extend to a distance of many times the height. In these conditions, shadows appear dramatic, and at times even terrifying that’s why many photographers and artists are drawn to the golden hour light.
6. Shadows do not have to be always black.
The majority of people believe that shadows are black, however they’re not. Shadows may be shades of gray, blue and sometimes even colored. The reason for this is that light bounces off objects and fills up the shadows by reflecting light. Under a blue sky, shadows often look bluish.
7. Multiple light sources can create multiple shadows
If there are more than one light source is in the vicinity, an object may project multiple shadows. Each shadow is directed away from the light source that it is based on. This is typical on streets, stages in the evening, and in rooms with multiple lamps. The result can appear odd and confused.
8. Shadows are sharp or soft.
The edges of shadows are determined by how big the source of light. A weak, small light source creates sharp edges in shadows. A big or diffused light can create soft blurred shadows. This is why sunlight causes sharp shadows during clear days, but soft shadows on cloudy day days.
9. Animals also make use of shadows.
Certain animals make use of shadows to benefit. Birds are able to spot predators through the observation of shadows that are visible on the ground. Certain insects depend on patterns of shadows to find refuge or escape danger. Shadows can be a silent influence on the survival of animals throughout the universe.
10. Shadows were the catalyst for cinema and photography.
The concept of recording shadows inspired early experiments using cameras and projectors. Shadow puppetry was a thing way before films. Humans were taught that controlling shadows and light could create stories, eventually leading to film, photography and animation.
Last thoughts
Shadows may appear ordinary however they are a source of profound science, history, and symbolic meaning. They reveal how light works and how our brains perceive reality, and also how humans have attempted to comprehend the world for many thousands of years. When you next see shadows that stretch across the ground or bouncing against a wall take a moment to pause for a second. This simple, dark silhouette tells a story exclusively in white.