Solstices at the Tropics
A solstice is when the Sun appears most north or south of the equator. During a solstice, it looks as if the Sun is standing still in the sky.
There are two solstices in a year: a summer solstice on June 21st and a winter solstice on December 21st.
During the summer solstice, the Earth is tilted towards the Sun and the Sun is directly over the Tropic of Cancer. This is the day when areas in the Northern Hemisphere have the most sunlight of the year.
Quick fact: during the summer solstice, the Sun enters the zodiac sign of Cancer. This is how the Tropic of Cancer got its name.
During the winter solstice, the Sun is directly over the Tropic of Capricorn.
Quick fact: the Tropic of Capricorn got its name because about 2000 years ago the Sun was entering the constellation Capricornus during the winter solstice.
What lies in the Tropic of Cancer?
The Tropic of Cancer passes through 3 continents: North America, Africa and Asia.
The Tropic of Cancer crosses 6 water bodies: Atlantic Ocean, Pacific Ocean, Indian Ocean, Red Sea, Gulf of Mexico and Taiwan Strait.
What lies in the Tropic of Capricorn?
The Tropic of Capricorn also passes through 3 continents: South America, Africa and Australia.
The Tropic of Capricorn crosses 3 water bodies: Atlantic Ocean, Pacific Ocean and the Indian Ocean.
