During the winter solstice, what is the duration of daylight at the Tr...
Understanding the Winter Solstice
The winter solstice occurs around December 21 or 22 in the Northern Hemisphere, marking the shortest day and longest night of the year. Conversely, in the Southern Hemisphere, where the Tropic of Capricorn is located, this day signifies the longest duration of daylight.
Daylight Duration at the Tropic of Capricorn
- At the Tropic of Capricorn (approximately 23.5° S latitude), the sun is directly overhead at noon during the summer solstice, which occurs in December.
- On the winter solstice, the sun is at its southernmost point in the sky, resulting in longer daylight hours in the Southern Hemisphere, including the Tropic of Capricorn.
Specifics of Daylight Hours
- During the winter solstice, the duration of daylight at the Tropic of Capricorn is approximately 13 to 14 hours. This is a significant contrast to the Northern Hemisphere, where regions experience only about 8 to 9 hours of daylight.
- The phenomenon occurs because the tilt of the Earth's axis causes sunlight to hit the Tropic of Capricorn more directly, resulting in longer days.
Conclusion
Thus, the correct answer to the question regarding the duration of daylight at the Tropic of Capricorn during the winter solstice is option 'C': approximately 12 hours. This understanding is crucial for comprehending seasonal variations and their geographical significance, particularly in the context of UPSC examinations.
During the winter solstice, what is the duration of daylight at the Tr...
- During the winter solstice at the Tropic of Capricorn, the duration of daylight is approximately 12 hours.
- This occurs because the Tropic of Capricorn is the latitude where the sun is directly overhead at noon during the solstice.
- Thus, the day lengths are relatively equal to the night lengths, resulting in approximately 12 hours of daylight.
Therefore,Correct Answer- Option C