What is the latitude of the Antarctic Circle?

• A. 66.5 degrees S
• B. 90 degrees N
• C. 23.5 degrees N
• D. 0 degrees

Answer: (A)

The latitude of the Antarctic Circle is indeed 66.5 degrees South. This circle marks the southernmost point at which the sun can remain continuously below or above the horizon for 24 hours, during the solstices. Specifically, during the winter solstice, the sun does not rise for an entire day within this circle, while during the summer solstice, it does not set for a full 24 hours. This geographical boundary is significant in climatology and ecology as it delineates areas that experience extreme variations in daylight throughout the year. The other latitudes listed, such as the North Pole at 90 degrees North, the Tropic of Cancer at 23.5 degrees North, and the equator at 0 degrees, represent different significant markers or lines of latitude but do not define the Antarctic Circle.