Tropic of Cancer: Difference between revisions
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{{Short description|Circle of latitude 23°26′11.7″ north of the Equator}} | |||
[[File:World_map_with_tropic_of_cancer.svg|World map with the Tropic of Cancer|thumb|right]] | |||
The '''Tropic of Cancer''' is one of the five major [[circle of latitude|circles of latitude]] that mark maps of the [[Earth]]. It is the most northerly circle of latitude on Earth at which the [[Sun]] can be directly overhead. This event occurs at the [[June solstice]], when the Northern Hemisphere is tilted toward the Sun to its maximum extent. | The '''Tropic of Cancer''' is one of the five major [[circle of latitude|circles of latitude]] that mark maps of the [[Earth]]. It is the most northerly circle of latitude on Earth at which the [[Sun]] can be directly overhead. This event occurs at the [[June solstice]], when the Northern Hemisphere is tilted toward the Sun to its maximum extent. | ||
==Geographical Significance== | ==Geographical Significance== | ||
The Tropic of Cancer is currently positioned at 23°26′11.7″ north of the [[Equator]]. This latitude is significant because it marks the northern boundary of the [[tropics]], the region of Earth that experiences the most direct sunlight and the least variation in day length throughout the year. | |||
[[File:Axial_tilt_vs_tropical_and_polar_circles.svg|Diagram showing axial tilt and tropical circles|thumb|left]] | |||
The position of the Tropic of Cancer is not fixed, but varies in a complex manner over time. This is due to a phenomenon known as the [[axial precession]] of the Earth, which causes the tilt of the Earth's axis to change over a 41,000-year cycle. As a result, the Tropic of Cancer is currently drifting southward at a rate of about 15 meters per year. | |||
The | ==Cultural and Historical Context== | ||
The Tropic of Cancer has been significant in various cultures throughout history. It was named because, at the time of its naming, the Sun was in the [[constellation]] [[Cancer (constellation)|Cancer]] at the June solstice. Due to the precession of the equinoxes, the Sun is now in the constellation [[Gemini (constellation)|Gemini]] during the June solstice. | |||
==Countries and Regions== | ==Countries and Regions== | ||
The Tropic of Cancer passes through 16 countries, including [[Mexico]], [[Bahamas]], [[Western Sahara]], [[Mauritania]], [[Mali]], [[Algeria]], [[Niger]], [[Libya]], [[Egypt]], [[Saudi Arabia]], [[United Arab Emirates]], [[Oman]], [[India]], [[Bangladesh]], [[Myanmar]], and [[China]]. | |||
[[File:Tropic_of_Cancer_marker_in_Mexico.jpg|Tropic of Cancer marker in Mexico|thumb|right]] | |||
In these regions, the Tropic of Cancer is often marked by signs or monuments, and it is a point of interest for travelers and geographers alike. | |||
==Climate and Ecology== | ==Climate and Ecology== | ||
The regions around the Tropic of Cancer are typically characterized by a [[tropical climate]], with high temperatures and distinct wet and dry seasons. However, the specific climate can vary significantly depending on local geographical features such as mountains and bodies of water. | |||
==Related Pages== | ==Related Pages== | ||
* [[Tropic of Capricorn]] | |||
* [[Equator]] | * [[Equator]] | ||
* [[Arctic Circle]] | * [[Arctic Circle]] | ||
* [[Antarctic Circle]] | * [[Antarctic Circle]] | ||
* [[ | * [[Circle of latitude]] | ||
[[File:Tropicofcancer.jpg|Tropic of Cancer sign|thumb|left]] | |||
==See Also== | |||
* [[Solstice]] | * [[Solstice]] | ||
* [[Equinox]] | |||
* [[Earth's axial tilt]] | |||
{{Coord|23|26|12|N|0|0|E|display=title}} | |||
[[Category:Circles of latitude]] | [[Category:Circles of latitude]] | ||
[[Category:Tropics]] | [[Category:Tropics]] | ||
Revision as of 18:52, 23 March 2025
Circle of latitude 23°26′11.7″ north of the Equator
The Tropic of Cancer is one of the five major circles of latitude that mark maps of the Earth. It is the most northerly circle of latitude on Earth at which the Sun can be directly overhead. This event occurs at the June solstice, when the Northern Hemisphere is tilted toward the Sun to its maximum extent.
Geographical Significance
The Tropic of Cancer is currently positioned at 23°26′11.7″ north of the Equator. This latitude is significant because it marks the northern boundary of the tropics, the region of Earth that experiences the most direct sunlight and the least variation in day length throughout the year.
The position of the Tropic of Cancer is not fixed, but varies in a complex manner over time. This is due to a phenomenon known as the axial precession of the Earth, which causes the tilt of the Earth's axis to change over a 41,000-year cycle. As a result, the Tropic of Cancer is currently drifting southward at a rate of about 15 meters per year.
Cultural and Historical Context
The Tropic of Cancer has been significant in various cultures throughout history. It was named because, at the time of its naming, the Sun was in the constellation Cancer at the June solstice. Due to the precession of the equinoxes, the Sun is now in the constellation Gemini during the June solstice.
Countries and Regions
The Tropic of Cancer passes through 16 countries, including Mexico, Bahamas, Western Sahara, Mauritania, Mali, Algeria, Niger, Libya, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Oman, India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, and China.
In these regions, the Tropic of Cancer is often marked by signs or monuments, and it is a point of interest for travelers and geographers alike.
Climate and Ecology
The regions around the Tropic of Cancer are typically characterized by a tropical climate, with high temperatures and distinct wet and dry seasons. However, the specific climate can vary significantly depending on local geographical features such as mountains and bodies of water.
Related Pages
See Also
Coordinates:
23°26
12°N
