On June 21 every year, which of the following latitude(s) experience(s) a sunlight of more than 12 hours?

On June 21 every year, which of the following latitude(s) experience(s) a sunlight of more than 12 hours ? ( UPSC CSE 2024)

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

Answer: D

Explanation

June 21 marks the Summer Solstice in the Northern Hemisphere, when the Sun is directly overhead at the Tropic of Cancer (23½° N). As a result, the Northern Hemisphere is tilted towards the Sun and experiences longer daylight hours.

• Equator (1): Receives nearly equal day and night throughout the year (about 12 hours each). Hence, it does not experience more than 12 hours of sunlight.
• Tropic of Cancer (2): On June 21, the Sun is overhead at noon here, leading to more than 12 hours of daylight.
• Tropic of Capricorn (3): Being in the Southern Hemisphere, it experiences shorter days during this period (winter solstice there), hence less than 12 hours of daylight.
• Arctic Circle (4): Experiences the Midnight Sun, i.e., 24 hours of daylight on June 21.

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