Which circle lies at approximately 23.5 degrees North?

Which circle lies at approximately 23.5 degrees North?

• A. Tropic of Cancer
• B. Tropic of Capricorn
• C. Arctic Circle
• D. Antarctic Circle

Answer: (A)

Think about how Earth's tilt creates boundary lines for sunlight. The planet is tilted about 23.5 degrees, so the Sun’s direct noon position moves between 23.5° north and 23.5° south over the year. The circle at 23.5° north marks the Tropic of Cancer, the boundary where the Sun can be directly overhead at the June solstice. The circle at 23.5° south is the Tropic of Capricorn. The Arctic Circle and Antarctic Circle sit much farther from the equator, at about 66.5° north and south, and relate to polar daylight patterns. So, the circle at approximately 23.5° north is the Tropic of Cancer.

Think about how Earth's tilt creates boundary lines for sunlight. The planet is tilted about 23.5 degrees, so the Sun’s direct noon position moves between 23.5° north and 23.5° south over the year. The circle at 23.5° north marks the Tropic of Cancer, the boundary where the Sun can be directly overhead at the June solstice. The circle at 23.5° south is the Tropic of Capricorn. The Arctic Circle and Antarctic Circle sit much farther from the equator, at about 66.5° north and south, and relate to polar daylight patterns. So, the circle at approximately 23.5° north is the Tropic of Cancer.