Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn are two imaginary lines that lie to the north and south of the equator respectively. Complete Answer: The Tropic of Cancer is a parallel located at 23.5 degrees North of the equator approximately whereas the Tropic of Capricorn is a parallel located at 23.5 degrees south of the equator .
What is the difference between the Tropic of cancer and Capricorn?
This Tropic of Cancer and Capricorn map shows that the Tropic of Cancer and Capricorn are found the same angular distance of 23.4 degrees from the equator. The only difference between them is that the Tropic of Cancer is in the northern hemisphere and the Tropic of Capricorn is in the southern hemisphere.
This begs the inquiry “Why are the tropics named cancer capricorn?”
Naming the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn The Tropic of Cancer was called because the sun was in the Cancer constellation on the June solstice at the time of its designation. Similarly, the Tropic of Capricorn was called because the sun was in Capricorn on the December solstice.
Also known as the Southern Tropic, the Tropic of Capricorn lies 23 degrees 5′ south of the Equator .
The Tropic of Capricorn is the most southern latitude on the Earth where the sun can appear directly overhead. The Tropic of Cancer is currently positioned at approximately 23.4 degrees north of the Equator. The Tropic of Capricorn is 23.4 degrees south of the Equator.
Where is the Tropic of Cancer located?
Because the Earth is tilted 23.4°, the Tropic of Cancer is 23.4° north of the Equator . The Tropic of Cancer is not one specific place but rather a line of latitude.
The word Tropic comes from the Greek word Tropos, meaning turn; referring to the fact that the sun appears to turn back at the solstices . The Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn are the two most important latitude lines made, apart from the equator.
North of the Tropic of Cancer is the subtropics and the Northern Temperate Zones . South of the Tropic of Cancer are the Tropics. This area does not experience distinctly changing seasons because the sun is always high in the sky.
This begs the inquiry “How many countries does the Tropic of cancer run through?”
There are 16 countries, 3 continents and 6 water bodies that the Tropic of Cancer passes through.
The zone between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Cancer is known as the Torrid Zone . In the United States, this area is more commonly known as the tropics. This area comprises almost forty percent of the globe.