Which statement best describes the Tropic of Cancer?

Which statement best describes the Tropic of Cancer?

• A. It is located at 23.5 degrees north latitude
• B. It is located at 23.5 degrees south latitude
• C. It marks the Arctic Circle
• D. It marks the equator

Answer: (A)

The Tropic of Cancer marks the northern limit where the Sun can be directly overhead at solar noon, a consequence of Earth's tilt of about 23.5 degrees. Because the axis is tilted, the subsolar point moves north and south over the year, reaching its northernmost position at roughly 23.5 degrees north latitude during the summer solstice. Therefore, the Tropic of Cancer sits at about 23.5°N. For context, 23.5°S is the Tropic of Capricorn, 66.5°N is the Arctic Circle, and 0° is the equator.

The Tropic of Cancer marks the northern limit where the Sun can be directly overhead at solar noon, a consequence of Earth's tilt of about 23.5 degrees. Because the axis is tilted, the subsolar point moves north and south over the year, reaching its northernmost position at roughly 23.5 degrees north latitude during the summer solstice. Therefore, the Tropic of Cancer sits at about 23.5°N. For context, 23.5°S is the Tropic of Capricorn, 66.5°N is the Arctic Circle, and 0° is the equator.