Shadows

[MightyGem]

Near the ground an aircraft has a shadow. As you climb higher, the shadow gets smaller, naturally. Eventually the dark shadow turns into brighter patch of light.

Why is this?

[Yogi-Bear]

Umbra, penumbra and ......... your Gem must be so mighty that it's bending the light waves!

[ft]

It is since in the area surrounding the shadow of your aircraft, the shadows of ground objects will be behind the objects themselves from your point of view and not visible to you - less visible shadows and the area looks brighter.

Cheers,
/ft