Tropic of Cancer vs Tropic of Capricorn

What Is the Tropic of Capricorn and Cancer?

The Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn are imaginary lines that encircle the Earth. These lines represent the furthest north and south that the sun can appear directly overhead at noon. This happens because of the tilt of Earth’s axis in relation to its orbit around the sun.

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“The Tropic of Cancer and Capricorn mark the limits where the sun can be directly overhead.”

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Latitude Differences

The Tropic of Cancer lies at 23.5 degrees north of the equator, while the Tropic of Capricorn is at 23.5 degrees south.

These latitudes define the boundaries of the tropics. They are also important for distributing sunlight across the planet. This affects weather patterns and seasons.

The areas between these latitudes receive more direct sunlight than any other part of Earth. Whereas the polar regions receive the least sunlight.

June and December Solstice

The Tropic of Cancer and Capricorn mark the limits where the sun can be directly overhead. This happens on the June and December solstice.

The Tropic of Cancer gets direct sun around June 21, the longest day in the Northern Hemisphere. This is when the Northern Hemisphere is tilted towards the sun.

Whereas the Tropic of Capricorn sees the sun overhead around December 21, the longest day in the Southern Hemisphere. And this is when the Southern Hemisphere tilts towards the sun.

Tropic of Cancer Countries

Here’s the full list of countries the Tropic of Cancer passes through:

The Tropic of Cancer not only crosses land but also significant bodies of water including:

1. Atlantic Ocean
2. Red Sea
3. Indian Ocean
4. Pacific Ocean

Tropic of Capricorn Countries

The Tropic of Capricorn passes through several countries, including:

The Tropic of Capricorn crosses several oceans, including:

1. Atlantic Ocean
2. Indian Ocean
3. Pacific Ocean

Why Is It Called the Tropic of Cancer and Capricorn?

The names “Cancer” and “Capricorn” come from the zodiac signs where the sun is positioned during these solstices.

The Tropic of Cancer gets its name because the sun is in the direction of the “Cancer” constellation during the June solstice. This is when the Northern Hemisphere is tilted most toward the sun, marking the beginning of summer there. 

Similarly, the Tropic of Capricorn is named for the sun’s position in the “Capricornus” constellation during the December solstice. This signals the start of summer in the Southern Hemisphere. 

Both names reflect ancient observations of the sky. Each one connects celestial patterns to our geography. Named after constellations, these geographical lines are a blend of science, history, and mythology.

Conclusion

The Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn are more than just lines on a map. They are the furthest points north and south where the sun can appear directly overhead.

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