What latitude marks the Tropic of Cancer, which is the highest latitude subsolar point during the summer solstice?

The Tropic of Cancer is located at 23.5 degrees north latitude. This line marks the northernmost point at which the sun can be directly overhead at noon, occurring specifically during the summer solstice, which is around June 21 each year. At this time, the Northern Hemisphere is tilted toward the sun, resulting in the maximal solar angle and longest day of the year in this region.

The significance of 23.5 degrees north lies in its connection to the Earth’s axial tilt—approximately 23.5 degrees—as the planet orbits the sun. This latitude delineates a boundary of climatic zones, affecting temperatures, seasonality, and biodiversity. Understanding these geographical references is critical in studying physical geography, as they influence weather patterns and ecosystems.

Other latitude choices provided do not represent the Tropic of Cancer. For instance, zero degrees is the Equator, which is the latitude where the sun is directly overhead during the equinoxes, while 23.5 degrees south indicates the Tropic of Capricorn, the southern counterpart. Lastly, 66.5 degrees north refers to the Arctic Circle, beyond which the sun does not set during the summer solstice and does not directly relate to the highest latitude where the sun is overhead