Introduction:

The duration of day and night varies across different locations on the Earth due to the tilt of the Earth's axis and its rotation around the Sun. This phenomenon is known as the variation in the duration of daylight hours or the length of the day. Kanyakumari and Kashmir are two locations in India that experience different patterns of day and night duration.

Difference in Latitude:

The primary reason for the difference in the duration of day and night between Kanyakumari and Kashmir is the variation in their latitudes.

- Kanyakumari is located near the southernmost tip of the Indian subcontinent, close to the equator. It has a latitude of approximately 8.0883° N.
- Kashmir, on the other hand, is situated in the northernmost part of India, near the border with Pakistan. It has a latitude range of approximately 32.7° N to 37.1° N.

Effect of Earth's Tilt:

The Earth is tilted on its axis by about 23.5 degrees relative to its orbit around the Sun. This tilt causes the Sun's rays to hit different parts of the Earth at varying angles throughout the year, leading to changes in the duration of daylight.

Equinoxes:

During the equinoxes (around March 21st and September 23rd), when the Earth's axis is not tilted towards or away from the Sun, the duration of day and night is approximately equal all over the world. This means that in Kanyakumari and Kashmir, the difference between the duration of day and night is minimal during these periods.

Summer Solstice:

During the summer solstice (around June 21st), the Earth's axis is tilted towards the Sun in the Northern Hemisphere. This results in longer days and shorter nights in Kashmir due to its higher latitude. Conversely, in Kanyakumari, which is closer to the equator, the difference between the duration of day and night is less pronounced.

Winter Solstice:

During the winter solstice (around December 21st), the Earth's axis is tilted away from the Sun in the Northern Hemisphere. This leads to shorter days and longer nights in Kashmir. However, in Kanyakumari, the difference between the duration of day and night is not as significant due to its proximity to the equator.

Conclusion:

The difference between the duration of day and night is hardly felt in Kanyakumari because it is located near the equator where the seasonal variation in daylight hours is minimal. In contrast, Kashmir experiences more pronounced differences in day and night duration due to its higher latitude and the Earth's tilt. Understanding the geographical factors affecting the duration of day and night helps explain why these variations occur in different regions.