On 21st June, the Sun

1. A. does not set below the horizon at the Arctic Circle
2. B. does not set below the horizon at Antarctic Circle
3. C. shines vertically overhead at noon on the Equator
4. D. shines vertically overhead at the Tropic of Capricorn

Answer: A

Explanation

On 21st June, the Sun is directly over Tropic of cancer. Geometrically, it means the Sun is normal (90*) to Tropic of Cancer and makes an angle of 47* to the Arctic Circle. As such, the Sun is above the horizon for all areas north of Arctic Circle. The entire area in the Arctic circle experiences day. The North Pole is inclined towards the sun and the places beyond the Arctic Circle experience continuous daylight for about six months. Since a large portion of the Northern Hemisphere is getting light from the sun, it is summer in the regions north of the equator. The longest day and the shortest night at these places occur on 21st June. At this time in the Southern Hemisphere all these conditions are reversed. It is winter season there. The nights are longer than the days. This position of the earth is called the Summer Solstice.