The zenith passage of the Sun: An astronomical event that happens only twice a year

The zenith passage of the Sun: An astronomical event that happens only twice a year

MÉRIDA, Yucatán — The city of Mérida is preparing to experience one of the year’s most striking astronomical events: the zenith passage of the Sun. On Sunday, July 19, 2026, around midday, the sun will shine directly overhead in the region, causing perpendicular objects and people to cast no shadow for a few minutes. This striking phenomenon happens only twice a year in geographic zones located between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn. It occ…