TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - According to the National Institute of Aeronautics and Space (LAPAN) spokesman Jasyanto said that Indonesia is currently experiencing the annual zero shadow day, or Lahaina Noon, despite at an insignificant level.

The sole effect though, is an increase in temperature. “The heat will rise 9 percent when the phenomenon takes place,” said Jasyanto on Wednesday, October 10.

He further explained that the zero shadow day is a normal occurrence in areas that are passed by the earth’s equator. In Indonesia, this phenomenon can be felt when the sun is directly above us in a vertical alignment.

“In happened yesterday in Jakarta at 11:40 Western Indonesia Time (WIB) and it only lasted for about ten minutes,” said the LAPAN spokesman.

LAPAN researcher Rhorom Priyatikanto said that other than the sun’s unusual heat, the zero shadow day is considered to be a sign of a change in Indonesia’s season. Other than Jakarta, the natural occurrence can be felt in Pontianak, Denpasar, Belitung, and Sabang.

ADITYA BUDIMAN