Tegucigalpa, Honduras
The Sun’s passage through the zenith has already begun its journey over Central America and Honduras is no exception.
According to the bulletin of the Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics of the National Autonomous University of Honduras (Unah), prepared by the professor Ricardo Pastranathe phenomenon has been developing in the region since April 12 in Panama City and will conclude May 8 in Belmopan, Belize.
In the case of Honduras, the event began on April 25 in Choluteca and will end May 5 in Roatanfollowing a progressive movement from south to north over the national territory.
“The phenomenon occurs when the Sun occupies the highest position in the sky, at 90 degrees to the horizon; this point is known as the zenith,” explains Pastrana in the bulletin. At that moment, the sun’s rays hit completely vertically, causing objects do not cast shadows at noon.
At the regional level, the zenith passage has followed a defined route: Panama (April 12), San José (April 15), Managua (April 21), San Salvador (April 26), Tegucigalpa (April 27), Guatemala City (April 29) and Belmopán (May 8), evidencing its transit through the tropical belt.
According to the specialist, this phenomenon occurs twice a year only in tropical areas: the first between April and May, when the Sun apparently moves from south to north after the spring equinox; and the second in August, in the opposite direction, after the summer solstice.
Pastrana warns that during this event solar radiation intensifies considerably. “UV index forecasts estimate values of up to 11, which is considered an extreme level,” the document states.
Therefore, it recommends do not observe the Sun directlyavoid prolonged exposure and stay hydrated, especially in the hours around noon.
Beyond its current impact, the Sun’s passage through the zenith also had historical relevance. Civilizations like the Mayan used it as time markersince the first step of the year indicated the arrival of the rains and the beginning of the agricultural cycle.
