Questions and Answers
What is the latitude of the vertical (direct) rays of the sun?
23.5 N
What is the latitude of the tangent rays in the northern hemisphere?
66.5 N
What is the latitude of the tangent rays in the southern hemisphere?
66.5 S
Why is the June solstice associated with the southern hemisphere?
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Why does the equator receive day and night?
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What happens to the length of day as you move north to the equator?
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During which two times of the year is the declination of the sun changing most rapidly from one day to the next?
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During which two months of the year is the declination of the sun changing most slowly?
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Study Notes
Latitude of Solar Rays
- Vertical (direct) rays of the sun are located at 23.5° N latitude.
- Tangent rays in the Northern Hemisphere reach up to 66.5° N latitude.
- Tangent rays in the Southern Hemisphere also reach down to 66.5° S latitude.
Solstices and Equinoxes
- The June solstice occurs when the Southern Hemisphere leans towards the sun, resulting in longer days for that hemisphere.
- The equator experiences equal amounts of day and night due to the continuity of the circle of illumination.
Day Length Variation
- As one moves from the equator northward, the length of day increases during the year.
- The declination of the sun changes most rapidly during the equinoxes in September and March, affecting solar altitude and day length.
- The declination of the sun changes most slowly during the solstices in June and December.
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Description
Test your knowledge of key geographical concepts with these flashcards covering essential latitude facts related to solar rays and solstices. Perfect for students studying geography or preparing for exams. Challenge yourself with questions about the vertical and tangent rays of the sun!
