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

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 3 and 4
(d) 2 and 4

Correct Answer: (d) 2 and 4

Equator: On June 21, the equator experiences approximately 12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of darkness. This is because the equator is not significantly affected by the tilt of the Earth’s axis during the solstices, resulting in nearly equal day and night lengths throughout the year.
Tropic of Cancer: On June 21, the Tropic of Cancer (23.5° North latitude) experiences more than 12 hours of daylight. This is because the sun is directly overhead at noon, making it the longest day of the year for this latitude.
Tropic of Capricorn: On June 21, the Tropic of Capricorn (23.5° South latitude) experiences less than 12 hours of daylight. This is because it is winter in the Southern Hemisphere, and the sun is at its lowest point in the sky for this latitude.
Arctic Circle: On June 21, the Arctic Circle (66.5° North latitude) experiences 24 hours of daylight. This phenomenon is known as the “midnight sun,” where the sun does not set, resulting in continuous daylight.

Summer Solstice: The summer solstice occurs when one of Earth’s poles has its maximum tilt toward the Sun. In the Northern Hemisphere, this happens around June 21, marking the longest day of the year with the most daylight hours. The sun is directly overhead at the Tropic of Cancer (23.5° North latitude) at noon.
Earth’s Tilt: The Earth’s axis is tilted at an angle of 23.5° relative to its orbital plane around the Sun. This tilt is responsible for the changing seasons and varying lengths of daylight throughout the year.
Daylight Variation: The amount of daylight varies significantly with latitude. Near the equator, day and night lengths remain relatively constant throughout the year. As one moves towards the poles, the variation becomes more extreme, with polar regions experiencing continuous daylight or darkness during solstices.
Equinoxes: Equinoxes occur twice a year when the Earth’s axis is not tilted toward or away from the Sun, resulting in nearly equal day and night lengths globally. The vernal (spring) equinox occurs around March 20-21, and the autumnal (fall) equinox occurs around September 22-23.
Cultural Significance: The summer solstice has been celebrated in various cultures throughout history. In many European traditions, it is known as Midsummer and is associated with festivals and rituals celebrating fertility and the abundance of the growing season.

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