Position of Sun at noon between the Equator and Tropic of Cancer

In summary, the position of the noon sun in the sky varies throughout the year in the temperate latitudes of the northern hemisphere. It is directly overhead at a specific latitude between the Tropic of Cancer and the equator, with the direction of the sun being either due north or south depending on the location. For further understanding, visualizations or diagrams can be found at http://www.solarplots.info/pages/definitions.aspx".
  • #1
dobry_den
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In the temperate latitudes of the northern hemisphere, the sun is due south when it reaches the highest point in the sky (see for example http://www.solarplots.info/pages/definitions.aspx" [Broken]). What about latitudes between the Tropic of Cancer and the equator? Is the sun due north when it reaches the highest point? Could you, please, provide some (links to) visualizations/diagrams that model this situation?
 
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  • #2
During the course of the year the noon sun is overhead at some latitude (L) between the tropic of cancer (~June 21) and the tropic of capricorn (~Dec 21). At latitudes south of L, it is due north and latitudes north of L, it is due south.
 

1. What is the significance of the position of the Sun at noon between the Equator and Tropic of Cancer?

The position of the Sun at noon between the Equator and Tropic of Cancer is significant because it marks the summer solstice in the Northern Hemisphere and the winter solstice in the Southern Hemisphere. This is when the Sun reaches its highest or lowest point in the sky, resulting in the longest or shortest day of the year.

2. How does the position of the Sun at noon change throughout the year between the Equator and Tropic of Cancer?

The position of the Sun at noon changes throughout the year due to the tilt of the Earth's axis. During the summer solstice, the Sun is directly overhead at the Tropic of Cancer, but during the winter solstice, it is directly overhead at the Tropic of Capricorn. The position of the Sun at noon will gradually shift between these two points throughout the year.

3. What is the difference between the position of the Sun at noon between the Equator and Tropic of Cancer and the Equator and Tropic of Capricorn?

The main difference between the position of the Sun at noon between the Equator and Tropic of Cancer and the Equator and Tropic of Capricorn is the angle at which the Sun's rays hit the Earth. At the Tropic of Cancer, the Sun's rays are more direct and intense, resulting in warmer temperatures, while at the Tropic of Capricorn, the Sun's rays are more indirect and result in cooler temperatures.

4. How does the position of the Sun at noon affect the length of day and night between the Equator and Tropic of Cancer?

The position of the Sun at noon directly affects the length of day and night between the Equator and Tropic of Cancer. During the summer solstice, the day is longer and the night is shorter, while during the winter solstice, the day is shorter and the night is longer. This is due to the tilt of the Earth's axis and the angle at which the Sun's rays hit the Earth.

5. How does the position of the Sun at noon impact the climate between the Equator and Tropic of Cancer?

The position of the Sun at noon plays a significant role in the climate between the Equator and Tropic of Cancer. This area experiences a tropical climate due to the direct overhead position of the Sun, resulting in warm temperatures and high humidity. This climate is also characterized by distinct wet and dry seasons, which are influenced by the changing position of the Sun throughout the year.

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