Shadows occur when an object blocks light from a source. An object that does not let light through is called opaque.
When the Sun is high in the sky (late spring, summer, early fall, noontime) the shadows are short.
When the Sun is at an intermediate height in the sky (spring, fall, early or late in the day) the shadows are of intermediate length.
When the Sun is low in the sky (late fall, winter, early spring, or very early or very late in the day) the shadows are the longest.
We can also learn about how the Sun moves in the sky by observing shadows.
Shadows work like a sun dial. The Sun rises in the East. This means that if you are facing North, the Sun will be on your right and your shadow will be on your left, sort of in the direction of 9 AM.
The Sun crosses the sky through the South and toward the West. As you face North, your shadow will progress through the 10 and 11 AM hours, be pointing northerly at Noon and move through the 1 and 2 PM hours during the afternoon.
The Sun is in the West in the afternoon. If you are facing North, your shadow will be on your right side, more or less in the 3 PM position.
The above motions of your shadow occur in the Northern Hemisphere because the Sun travels from the East, through the South and to the West in the Northern Hemisphere.
Here are some interactive sites about shadows:
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