Which line of latitude is located at 66.5 degrees South?

• A. Tropic of Cancer
• B. Antarctic Circle
• C. Arctic Circle
• D. Equator

Answer: (B)

The line of latitude located at 66.5 degrees South is known as the Antarctic Circle. This circle marks the southernmost point where the sun can remain continuously above or below the horizon for 24 hours at least once in a solar year. This phenomenon occurs during the polar day (mid-summer) and polar night (mid-winter) periods in the higher latitudes of the Southern Hemisphere.

In contrast, the Tropic of Cancer is located at 23.5 degrees North and is significant for marking the northernmost position where the sun is directly overhead at noon during the summer solstice. The Arctic Circle is found at 66.5 degrees North, marking a similar boundary in the Northern Hemisphere. Meanwhile, the Equator is at 0 degrees latitude, dividing the Earth into the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. Each of these lines serves distinct geographical and astronomical purposes, but only the Antarctic Circle correlates directly with 66.5 degrees South.