Question 68 from UPSC CSE 2024 - Geograph y

Question

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:

IASCODEX · Accepted Answer

Correct Option: D. 2 and 4

Strategy: Focus on the date—June 21, the Summer Solstice. This is when the Northern Hemisphere is maximally tilted towards the Sun. The Tropic of Cancer (23.5°N) receives direct sunlight, resulting in over 12 hours of daylight. The Arctic Circle (66.5°N) and all latitudes north of it receive continuous daylight—more than 12 hours. The Equator and Tropic of Capricorn are in the Southern Hemisphere or at the center, experiencing either equal or less than 12 hours, so eliminate 1 and 3. Only 2 and 4 fit.

Key Info: On June 21, known as the Summer Solstice, the Northern Hemisphere is tilted maximally towards the Sun. At this time:

- The Tropic of Cancer (23.5°N) receives direct overhead Sun rays, resulting in the year's longest day and over 12 hours of daylight for all places north of the Equator up to the Arctic Circle.
- The Arctic Circle (66.5°N) and regions northwards experience 24 hours of daylight, a phenomenon known as the polar day or 'midnight Sun.'
- The Equator (0° latitude) generally experiences nearly equal day and night (12 hours each) year-round due to its central position relative to Earth's rotational axis.
- The Tropic of Capricorn (23.5°S) is in the Southern Hemisphere, which is experiencing winter; its day length is less than 12 hours on June 21.

The solstice phenomenon occurs due to the axial tilt of the Earth (23.5°). Summer Solstice marks the longest day and shortest night in the Northern Hemisphere, with continuous daylight inside the Arctic Circle. Conversely, the Antarctic Circle experiences continuous night on this date.

IASCODEX · Answer

Option A: 1 only

IASCODEX · Answer

Option B: 2 only

IASCODEX · Answer

Option C: 3 and 4

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:

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: