On 21st June, the Sun
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2019 Prelims]
(a) does not set below the horizon at the Arctic Circle
(b) does not set below the horizon at Antarctic Circle
(c) shines vertically overhead at noon on the Equator
(d) shines vertically overhead at the Tropic of Capricorn
Answer: (a)
Explanation:
- June 21 marks the occurrence of the summer solstice in the Northern Hemisphere, which is the longest day of the year in terms of daylight. This phenomenon results in continuous daylight throughout the day at the pole.
- As a consequence, on this day, the sun does not set below the horizon in the region of the arctic circle, located in the north pole area.
- On the other hand, the summer solstice takes place in the Southern Hemisphere between the 20th and 23rd of December.
Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer.
