* Angle of Light: When the Sun is high in the sky (near noon), its rays hit the Earth at a more direct angle. This means the light is spread out over a wider area, creating shorter shadows.
* Lower Sun, Longer Shadows: When the Sun is low in the sky (like during sunrise or sunset), its rays hit the Earth at a more oblique angle. This concentrates the light and stretches out shadows significantly.
Think of it this way: imagine shining a flashlight directly down on an object versus shining it at an angle. The direct light creates a small, faint shadow, while the angled light creates a long, distinct shadow.
