Tropic of capricorn sun over head when monthly
When the Tropic of Capricorn experiences the sun directly overhead, it is during the December solstice, which usually occurs between December 20 and December 23 each year.
The Tropic of Capricorn is an imaginary line located at approximately 23.5 degrees south of the Equator. The position of the Sun directly overhead the Tropic of Capricorn changes throughout the year due to the tilt of the Earth's axis. Here is a step-by-step guide to understanding when the Sun is directly overhead the Tropic of Capricorn on a monthly basis:
1. Understand the Earth's tilt: The Earth's axis is tilted at an angle of about 23.5 degrees relative to its orbital plane around the Sun. This tilt is the main reason for the changing seasons and the movement of the Sun in the sky.
2. December solstice: The December Solstice occurs around the 21st of December every year. During this time, the Sun reaches its highest point in the sky in the Southern Hemisphere, directly over the Tropic of Capricorn. This marks the start of summer in the Southern Hemisphere and the winter in the Northern Hemisphere.
3. January to February: After the December Solstice, the Sun gradually moves northward, away from the Tropic of Capricorn. In January and February, the Sun is still south of the Equator but no longer directly overhead the Tropic of Capricorn.
4. March equinox: Around the 21st of March, the March Equinox takes place. During this time, the Sun is directly over the Equator, and day and night are almost equal in length. This marks the start of autumn in the Southern Hemisphere and spring in the Northern Hemisphere.
5. April to August: From March to August, the Sun continues its northward journey, moving further away from the Tropic of Capricorn. During this period, the Sun is in the Northern Hemisphere and does not pass over the Tropic of Capricorn.
6. September equinox: Around the 21st of September, the September Equinox occurs. Similar to the March Equinox, during this time, the Sun is directly over the Equator, and day and night are almost equal in length. This marks the start of spring in the Southern Hemisphere and autumn in the Northern Hemisphere.
7. October to November: After the September Equinox, the Sun gradually moves southward towards the Tropic of Capricorn. In October and November, the Sun is still north of the Equator but not yet directly overhead the Tropic of Capricorn.
8. December solstice: Finally, the Sun reaches its southernmost point in the sky again, directly over the Tropic of Capricorn, during the December Solstice. This completes the yearly cycle of the Sun's position over the Tropic of Capricorn.
So, the Sun is directly overhead the Tropic of Capricorn during the December Solstice in the Southern Hemisphere.