The Tropic of Cancer: A Guide

The Tropic of Cancer is a circle of latitude that is located around the middle of the Earth and marks the northernmost point at which the sun is directly overhead at noon. It is an important reference line in geography and is used to determine the location of places around the world. In this tutorial, we'll explore the concept of the Tropic of Cancer and provide some examples to help you get started. What is the Tropic of Cancer The Tropic of Cancer is a circle of latitude that is located around the middle of the Earth and marks the northernmost point at which the sun is directly overhead at noon. It is an imaginary line that is drawn around the Earth at 23.5 degrees north latitude and is used as a reference point for determining the location of places around the world. How is the Tropic of Cancer used The Tropic of Cancer is used in a variety of ways, including:

Determining latitude: Latitude is a measurement of the distance of a place north or south of the equator. The Tropic of Cancer is located at 23.5 degrees north latitude, and places north of the Tropic of Cancer are located at latitudes greater than 23.5 degrees north (e.g. 30 degrees north latitude), while places south of the Tropic of Cancer are located at latitudes less than 23.5 degrees north (e.g. 20 degrees north latitude). Determining the length of a day: The length of a day (the time between sunrise and sunset) varies depending on the location of a place on the Earth. The length of a day is longest at the equator and decreases as you move towards the poles. The length of a day is also influenced by the time of year, with longer days occurring during the summer months and shorter days occurring during the winter months. Determining the climate: The climate of a place is influenced by its distance from the equator and the Tropic of Cancer. Places near the Tropic of Cancer tend to have a tropical or subtropical climate with high temperatures and high levels of humidity, while places further away from the Tropic of Cancer tend to have a more temperate climate with lower temperatures and lower levels of humidity.

Famous landmarks on the Tropic of Cancer There are several famous landmarks that are located on or near the Tropic of Cancer, including:

Cairo, Egypt: Cairo is the capital city of Egypt and is located just a few degrees north of the Tropic of Cancer. It is known for its rich history and cultural landmarks, including the Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx. The Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico: The Yucatan Peninsula is a large landmass located in southeastern Mexico that is home to the Mayan civilization. It is located just a few degrees north of the Tropic of Cancer and is known for its beautiful beaches and ancient ruins. The island of Hainan, China: The island of Hainan is located in the South China Sea and is the southernmost province of China. It is located just a few degrees north of the Tropic of Cancer and is known for its beautiful beaches and tropical climate.

Conclusion The Tropic of Cancer is a circle of latitude that is located around the middle of the Earth and marks the northernmost point at which the sun is directly overhead at noon. It is an important reference line in geography and is used to determine the location of places around the world. The Tropic of Cancer is used to determine latitude, the length of a day, and the climate of a place, and it is home to several famous landmarks, including Cairo, Egypt; the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico; and the island of Hainan in China. By understanding the concept of the Tropic of Cancer and its importance in geography, you can better understand the relationships between different places around the world.