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 ✓ UPSC's answer
Why the answer is (d)
• On 21 June, the summer solstice, the Sun is overhead at the Tropic of Cancer and the Northern Hemisphere is tilted towards it.
• Every latitude north of the equator then has a day longer than 12 hours: the Tropic of Cancer gets about 13.5 hours and the Arctic Circle gets 24 hours of daylight — items 2 and 4 qualify.
• The equator has 12 hours of day and night throughout the year, so item 1 does not qualify.
• The Southern Hemisphere is tilted away, so the Tropic of Capricorn has its shortest day (about 10.5 hours) — item 3 does not qualify.
• Hence 2 and 4, option (d).
Why the other options are wrong
- (a) 1 only
- The equator always has exactly 12 hours of daylight.
- (b) 2 only
- The Arctic Circle also has more than 12 hours (24 hours) on June 21.
- (c) 3 and 4
- The Tropic of Capricorn has its shortest day on June 21.
Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2024, held on 16 June 2024. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.