On June 21 every year, which of the following latitude(s) experience(s) a sunlight of more than 12 hours? 1. Equator 2. Tropic of Cancer 3. Tropic of Capricorn 4. Arctic Circle Select the correct answer using the code given below :

QUESTION

Easy

Physical Geography

Prelims 2024

On June 21 every year, which of the following latitude(s) experience(s) a sunlight of more than 12 hours?

Equator
Tropic of Cancer
Tropic of Capricorn
Arctic Circle

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

Select an option to attempt

Explanation

Statement 1 (Equator) is incorrect: The Equator experiences exactly 12 hours of daylight throughout the year, as it lies midway between the poles and the sun’s rays fall almost equally throughout the year.

Statement 2 (Tropic of Cancer) is correct: On June 21 (Summer Solstice), the Northern Hemisphere is tilted toward the Sun, and the Tropic of Cancer (23.5° N) receives the direct rays of the Sun. Hence, regions along this latitude experience more than 12 hours of daylight.

Statement 3 (Tropic of Capricorn) is incorrect: The Tropic of Capricorn (23.5° S) lies in the Southern Hemisphere, which is tilted away from the Sun on June 21. Therefore, it experiences less than 12 hours of daylight.

Statement 4 (Arctic Circle) is correct: On June 21, the Arctic Circle (66.5° N) experiences 24 hours of continuous daylight — known as the Midnight Sun phenomenon.