On June 21 every year, which of the following latitude(s) experience(s) a sunlight of more than 12 hours?
- Equator
- Tropic of Cancer
- Tropic of Capricorn
- Arctic Circle
Correct Answer: Option D
The Earth's axis has an inclination of 66½° with its orbital plane. Due to the Earth's spherical shape, only half receives sunlight at any given time, creating day and night.
On June 21st, the Northern Hemisphere is tilted towards the Sun, causing the sun's rays to fall directly on the Tropic of Cancer. This results in more heat and longer days in these areas. Regions near the poles receive less heat due to the slanting angle of sunlight.
The North Pole is inclined towards the Sun, leading to continuous daylight for about six months in areas beyond the Arctic Circle.
During this time, regions north of the equator experience summer with the longest day and shortest night on June 21st. Conversely, the Southern Hemisphere experiences winter with longer nights than days. This position is known as the Summer Solstice.
Therefore, locations at the Tropic of Cancer and the Arctic Circle experience more than 12 hours of sunlight on June 21st.
Statement 2 is correct. Statement 4 is correct. Statements 1 and 3 are incorrect. Hence, option (d) is the correct answer.