Skyggelængder

Skyggelængder refer to the length of a shadow cast by an object. This length is not constant and varies significantly depending on several factors. The primary determinant of shadow length is the angle of the light source, most commonly the sun. When the sun is high in the sky, near its zenith, the angle of incidence is steep, resulting in short shadows. Conversely, when the sun is low on the horizon, during sunrise or sunset, the angle of incidence is shallow, leading to elongated shadows.

The height of the object casting the shadow also directly influences its length. Taller objects will cast longer shadows than shorter objects under the same lighting conditions. The shape and orientation of the object can also play a role, though for simple, upright objects, height is the dominant characteristic.

Beyond the sun's position and object height, the time of day and the season are crucial. As the Earth rotates, the sun's apparent position changes throughout the day, thus altering shadow lengths. Seasonal variations occur because the Earth's axial tilt causes the sun's apparent path across the sky to be higher or lower depending on the time of year. Latitude also impacts shadow length; locations closer to the equator experience less variation in shadow length throughout the year compared to higher latitudes. Understanding skyggelængder has practical applications in architecture, landscaping, and astronomy.