Q. 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:
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 3 and 4
(d) 2 and 4
Correct answer: (d) 2 and 4
Question from UPSC Prelims 2024 GS Paper
Explanation :
1. June 21 is the summer solstice in the Northern Hemisphere (winter solstice in Southern Hemisphere)
2. On June 21:
– Sun is directly overhead at the Tropic of Cancer (23.5°N)
– Northern Hemisphere experiences its longest day
– Southern Hemisphere experiences its shortest day
3. Let’s analyze each location:
– Equator (0°):
Always experiences exactly 12 hours of daylight throughout the year
On June 21, still gets 12 hours
– Tropic of Cancer (23.5°N):
Being summer solstice and sun directly overhead
Will experience more than 12 hours of daylight
– Tropic of Capricorn (23.5°S):
Being in Southern Hemisphere during winter solstice
Will experience less than 12 hours of daylight
– Arctic Circle (66.5°N):
Being in Northern Hemisphere during summer solstice
Experiences 24 hours of daylight (midnight sun)
Definitely more than 12 hours
The answer is (d) 2 and 4
