What phenomenon occurs at the Tropic of Capricorn during the December Solstice?

• A. The shortest night
• B. 24 hours of daylight
• C. Direct sunlight
• D. 24 hours of darkness

Answer: (C)

During the December Solstice, the Tropic of Capricorn experiences direct sunlight. This event occurs because the Earth's axial tilt has positioned the Southern Hemisphere to receive the sun's rays more directly. As a result, areas located at the Tropic of Capricorn, which is situated at 23.5 degrees South latitude, receive the maximum solar energy during this time.

This direct sunlight significantly impacts seasonal weather patterns, yielding the longest day of the year for these regions, in contrast to areas in the Northern Hemisphere, which experience shorter days and the winter solstice. Consequently, the sun’s rays hit the Tropic of Capricorn at a more perpendicular angle, leading to warmer temperatures and increased daylight hours in these areas.