UPSC Prelims 2019 · Question 80 of 99
UPSC Prelims 2019 question on Summer Solstice Midnight Sun
- ExamUPSC CSE
- Year2019
- PaperGeneral Studies Paper I
- SubjectGeography
- TopicClimatology
- DifficultyEasy
- TypeDirect
On 21st June, the Sun
Show answer
Answer: A. does not set below the horizon at the Arctic Circle
Verdict
Correct answer: does not set below the horizon at the Arctic Circle → Option (a).
Analysis
On 21st June, the Sun is directly over Tropic of Cancer. Geometrically, it means the Sun is normal (90°) to Tropic of Cancer and makes an angle of 47° to the Arctic Circle. As such, the Sun is above the horizon for all areas north of Arctic Circle. The entire area in the Arctic circle experiences day. The North Pole is inclined towards the sun and the places beyond the Arctic Circle experience continuous daylight for about six months.
Since a large portion of the Northern Hemisphere is getting light from the sun, it is summer in the regions north of the equator. The longest day and the shortest night at these places occur on 21st June. This position of the earth is called the Summer Solstice.
At the Antarctic Circle on 21st June, it is the opposite — the sun does not rise above the horizon.