The Solar Anomaly: Unraveling the Mystery of Mumbai’s Extended Daylight at 6:47 PM

Understanding the phenomenon: Why is it still day in Mumbai at 6:47 pm?

As the bustling city of Mumbai goes about its daily activities, one might wonder why daylight persists even as the clock approaches 6:47 pm. The answer lies in the complex workings of our planet Earth, its axial tilt, and the position of the Sun in the sky. In this article, we will delve into the science behind this phenomenon and shed light on why Mumbai experiences extended daylight hours at this particular time.

The Earth’s axial tilt and seasonal variations

One of the key factors affecting the length of daylight hours is the Earth’s axial tilt. The Earth orbits the Sun in an inclined position, with its axis tilted at an angle of about 23.5 degrees relative to its orbital plane. This tilt is responsible for the changing seasons and the variation in daylight hours experienced throughout the year.
During the summer months in the Northern Hemisphere, which includes Mumbai, the North Pole tilts towards the sun. This position results in longer daylight hours as the sun is higher in the sky and stays above the horizon for a longer period of time. Conversely, during the winter months, the North Pole tilts away from the sun, resulting in shorter days and longer nights. It is this axial tilt, combined with Mumbai’s latitude, that contributes to the extended daylight hours observed at 6:47 pm.

Mumbai’s latitude and its effect on daylight hours

Mumbai, located at approximately 19 degrees north latitude, falls in the tropical zone. Locations closer to the equator experience relatively stable day lengths throughout the year compared to regions at higher latitudes. Due to its proximity to the equator, Mumbai receives a significant amount of sunlight throughout the year, resulting in a relatively consistent length of daylight throughout the year.
At 6:47 p.m. in Mumbai, the sun is still above the horizon due to a combination of factors. First, the city’s latitude ensures that it receives a significant amount of sunlight, even in the later hours of the day. In addition, the axial tilt of the earth during the summer months further contributes to the longer daylight hours that Mumbai experiences at this time. These combined factors create the unique phenomenon of daylight persisting well into the evening hours in the city.

Other factors influencing longer daylight hours

While the Earth’s axial tilt and Mumbai’s latitude play a significant role in the extended daylight observed at 6:47 pm, other factors can also influence the phenomenon. Weather conditions, the presence of cloud cover, and atmospheric refraction can all affect the apparent position of the Sun and the amount of sunlight reaching the surface.

In Mumbai, where monsoon rains and cloud cover are common during certain seasons, the presence of clouds can diffuse sunlight and reduce its intensity, resulting in a slightly dimmer sky even during extended daylight hours. However, clear sky conditions, combined with the Earth’s axial tilt and Mumbai’s latitude, are the primary contributors to the persistent daylight observed at 6:47 pm.
In conclusion, the extended daylight experienced in Mumbai at 6:47 p.m. is due to a combination of factors such as the Earth’s axial tilt, Mumbai’s latitude, and weather conditions. These factors work together to create a unique phenomenon where daylight persists as the evening hours approach. Understanding the science behind this event enhances our appreciation of the intricate relationship between the Sun, the Earth, and the celestial mechanics that govern our daily lives.

FAQs

Why is it still day in Mumbai at 6:47 PM?

There are multiple reasons why it may still be daylight in Mumbai at 6:47 PM:

1. Geographic Location and Time Zone

Mumbai is located near the western coast of India, which lies within the time zone known as Indian Standard Time (IST). IST is UTC+5:30, meaning it is 5 hours and 30 minutes ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). The local time in Mumbai is set according to this time zone, which can result in daylight hours extending later into the evening compared to other regions.

2. Seasonal Variation

The length of daylight varies throughout the year due to the tilt of the Earth’s axis and its orbit around the Sun. During certain seasons, such as summer, the days in Mumbai can be longer, and daylight can persist until later in the evening.

3. Atmospheric Conditions

The atmospheric conditions in Mumbai, including cloud cover and pollution levels, can affect the amount of sunlight reaching the surface. If the skies are clear and there is minimal obstruction, daylight can be visible even at later hours.

4. Daylight Saving Time

India does not observe Daylight Saving Time (DST), which involves adjusting clocks forward by one hour during the summer months to extend daylight in the evenings. Since Mumbai does not participate in DST, the local time remains consistent throughout the year, and daylight can be seen until later in the evening.

5. Longitude and Time Discrepancies

Although Mumbai is located at a longitude where it technically falls within a time zone that should have already experienced sunset, there can be variations in observing local time. Factors such as administrative decisions, cultural practices, or individual preferences may influence the local time and result in daylight still being visible at 6:47 PM in Mumbai.