The shape of shadows

In a nutshell

When an object is closer to a source of light, it will make a bigger shadow than when it is further away because it blocks more light from the source. Shadows of objects are smaller at midday than in the mornings or evenings because the position of the Sun changes, which alters the amount of light being blocked.

Changing shadows

While the shape of the shadow will usually be similar to the object that made it, it can be distorted. 

The size of a shadow can change depending on two things:

1.  The distance of the object from the light source.
2. The position of the light source in relation to the object. 
   

Objects which are closer to the light source block more light and make bigger shadows.

The Sun and shadows

The time of day also affects the shape and size of shadows. This is because the Sun moves across the sky over the course of the day. 

When the Sun is directly overhead, the shadow cast will be similar to what the object looks like from above. The shadow will be short. 

During the morning or evening when the Sun is lower in the sky, the shadow cast will be similar to what the object looks like from the side. The shadow will be long.

The Sun rises in the East and sets in the West. Therefore, the direction of the shadow will also change during the day.

During the summer, the Sun is higher in the sky, so shadows are shorter than they are in winter.   

1. East 2. West 3. Summer 4. Winter 5. Sunrise 6. Sunset