What Exactly is the Tropic of Cancer?

[Chelseylovely]

The term 'tropic of Cancer' recently came up in a geography quiz. Can anyone here shed light on exactly what it is?

[ClaireM]

Sure, the Tropic of Cancer is one of the five major circles of latitude that mark maps of the Earth. It's the northernmost point where the sun is directly overhead during the solstice.

[Griffin]

So, how does it relate to the Tropic of Capricorn,?

[Devin]

Good question! The Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn are actually twin lines, 23. 5 degrees north and south of the equator. So when it's the northern solstice on the Tropic of Cancer, it's the southern winter solstice on the Tropic of Capricorn.

[QuiverQueens]

Are there any significant places that fall on the Tropic of Cancer?

[Lukas]

Absolutely,. A few notable locations are the Bahamas, Mexico, China and India.

[KayleeF]

Thanks a lot everyone for your inputs! This really cleared up my confusion about the Tropic of Cancer.