We climbed the 245 steps to the top of the Inca ruins at Ollantaytambo in Peru and reached the Temple del Sol. It was noon with the sun high overhead. Someone looked up and noticed an ice ring encircling the sun. I had to capture this photo.
I grew up and continue to live at about 40-42˚ north latitude in the center of the U.S. The sun has never been directly overhead. But now, at noon about 13˚ south latitude, the sun was nearly straight up. I looked down to my feet and saw something I’d never seen before. My shadow was directly below me. That was fun to see.
How I See It 
Wonderful pics! Just think of all those times when you were a kid trying to race and step on your own shadow. You finally did it no problem!
Hard to do that.
The other amazing thing about the equator is how fast the day ends, no twilight! Daylight, then 20 minutes later, pitch black!
And twilight at the poles can last all day. 🙂
I find that fascinating, don’t you? You probably understand the ‘why’ better than I, but it enough for me to observe the effect. 🙂
It’s pretty simple if you want to know.
I expect it has something to do with the angle at which sunlight strikes the earth, straight on or oblique?
Yes. The angle of the sun makes it take longer to get to the horizon.
Did you notice how quickly the sun rises and sets?
Yes. The angle makes a big difference.
Isn’t that a fun experience? When I was in Liberia, I was at 7˚ N, and we did a good bit of shadow play there, too. Until Eliza mentioned it, I’d forgotten how quick the sunrises and sunsets happened. Sunrise seemed to be longer, because the birds would begin chittering and singing long before it was truly light.
I like those subtle things about Earth.
I like these subtle things, too. Not seeing my shadow directly beneath me isn’t something I ever thought about! I love your photo of the ice ring.
Thank you. I was surprised by it.