Tropic of Cancer

Tropic of Cancer

The Tropic of Cancer, also referred to as the Northern Tropic, is one of the five major circles of latitude that mark maps of the Earth. It is the most northerly circle of latitude on the Earth at which the Sun can be directly overhead. This event occurs once per year, at the time of the June solstice, when the Northern Hemisphere is tilted toward the Sun to its maximum extent.

Geography

The Tropic of Cancer's position is not fixed, but varies in a complex manner over time; see under circles of latitude for information. It is currently (as of about the year 2010) 23°26′11.6″ (or 23.43657°) north of the Equator.

Circumnavigation

The Tropic of Cancer is significant in the field of geography because it marks the most northerly position at which the sun may appear directly overhead at its zenith. This event occurs once per year, during the June solstice, when the Northern Hemisphere is at its maximum tilt towards the sun.

See also

• Tropic of Capricorn
• Equator
• Arctic Circle
• Antarctic Circle

References

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