Tropic of Capricorn
Tropic of Capricorn
The Tropic of Capricorn (pronunciation: /ˈtrɒpɪk əv ˈkæprɪkɔːrn/) is one of the five major circles of latitude that mark maps of the Earth. It is the southernmost point on Earth where the Sun can be directly overhead at noon. This event occurs once per year, at the December solstice, when the Southern Hemisphere is tilted towards the Sun to its maximum extent.
Etymology
The term "Tropic of Capricorn" is derived from the constellation of Capricornus (Latin for "horned goat"), which is located in the southern hemisphere. The word "tropic" comes from the Greek "tropos" meaning "turn", referring to the fact that the Sun appears to "turn back" at the solstices.
Related Terms
- Solstice: An event occurring when the Sun appears to reach its most northerly or southerly excursion relative to the celestial equator on the celestial sphere.
- Equator: The imaginary line on the Earth's surface equidistant from the North Pole and South Pole, dividing the Earth into the Northern Hemisphere and Southern Hemisphere.
- Tropic of Cancer: The circle of latitude on the Earth that marks the most northerly position at which the Sun may appear directly overhead at its zenith. This event occurs once per year, at the time of the June solstice, when the Northern Hemisphere is tilted towards the Sun to its maximum extent.
- Capricornus: One of the constellations of the zodiac, located in the southern celestial hemisphere. Its name is Latin for "horned goat" or "goat horn".
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Tropic of Capricorn
- Wikipedia's article - Tropic of Capricorn
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