On 21st June the sun[2019]a)Does not set below the horizon at the Arct...
- On 21st June, the Northern Hemisphere is tilted towards the sun. The rays of the sun fall directly on the Tropic of Cancer. So, (c) and (d) are wrong.
- Places beyond the Arctic Circle experience continuous daylight for about six months. So (a) is correct.
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On 21st June the sun[2019]a)Does not set below the horizon at the Arct...
Explanation:
The phenomenon described in the question is related to the summer solstice, which occurs around 21st June in the northern hemisphere and around 21st December in the southern hemisphere. During this time, the tilt of the Earth's axis is such that the sun appears to be at its highest point in the sky in the northern hemisphere and at its lowest point in the southern hemisphere. This leads to some interesting effects on the way the sun appears to move across the sky in different parts of the world.
Effects on Arctic Circle:
One of the most dramatic effects of the summer solstice is seen at the Arctic Circle, which is located at approximately 66.5 degrees north latitude. Because of the tilt of the Earth's axis, the sun never sets below the horizon at this location during the summer solstice. Instead, it appears to trace a circular path around the sky, staying above the horizon for a full 24 hours.
This phenomenon is known as the "midnight sun" and is a source of fascination for many people who live in or visit the Arctic Circle during the summer months. It can be both beautiful and disorienting, as it can be difficult to tell what time of day it is when the sun is always visible.
Effects on Antarctic Circle:
In contrast, at the Antarctic Circle, which is located at approximately 66.5 degrees south latitude, the summer solstice brings the opposite effect. During this time, the sun never rises above the horizon at this location, leading to a period of constant darkness known as the "polar night."
Effects on Equator and Tropic of Capricorn:
At the Equator, which is located at 0 degrees latitude, the sun shines directly overhead at noon during the equinoxes, which occur around 20th March and 23rd September each year. During the summer solstice, the sun appears to be slightly north of the Equator, but it still shines almost directly overhead at noon.
At the Tropic of Capricorn, which is located at approximately 23.5 degrees south latitude, the sun shines directly overhead at noon during the winter solstice, which occurs around 21st December each year. During the summer solstice, the sun appears to be slightly north of this location, but it does not shine directly overhead.
Conclusion:
Therefore, the correct option in the question is A) the sun does not set below the horizon at the Arctic Circle during the summer solstice.
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