Interesting Facts about the Tropic of Capricorn in Australia

The Tropic of Capricorn is one of the Earth’s five major circles of latitude. It refers to the southernmost latitude at which the Sun can appear directly overhead. Lying 23° 26′ 22″ south of the Equator, it runs through Australia, Brazil, Southern Chile, South Africa, and a list of other countries.

Interesting Facts about the Tropic of Capricorn Australia

Let’s now learn about some of the most interesting facts about the Tropic of Capricorn Australia!

• The circle of latitude features the subsolar point on the December solstice. Thus, we count it as the most southerly latitude where the Sun’s rays can be directly overhead at local noon.
• The Tropic of Capricorn mainly runs through the water because it has less land space to cross in the Southern Hemisphere.
• The tropics experience a little difference between the weather conditions. However, life between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn is generally warm and sunny. Both of these tropics are an equal distance north of the Equator.
• The Tropic of Capricorn runs through three water bodies, ten countries, and three continents on the Earth’s surface.
• It holds great significance for being the southern boundary, dividing certain surfaces. It also plays a role in solar insolation based on the season’s creation.

What else to Know about the Tropic of Capricorn?

The Tropic of Capricorn, also known as the Southern Tropic, is the phenomenon that happens at the December Solstice. It’s when the southern hemisphere is slanted towards the Sun to its greatest extent. Starting at the prime meridian and going towards the west, this Tropic goes through several countries, including Australia, Brazil, Chile, Mozambique, Botswana, Tonga, South Africa, Namibia, and more.

The History Behind the Name “The Tropic of Capricorn”

Wondering why it was named the Tropic of Capricorn? Nearly 2000 years ago, the Sun crossed into the constellation of Capricorn at the onset of winter on the shortest day, around December 21. That was why this line of latitude was named so.

Capricorn is derived from the Latin word caper – goat. It was the name given to the constellation. Whereas the word Tropic is derived from the Greek word tropos – turn. This refers to the turning back of Sun the solstices.

Do you know? – The direction of Earth’s axis of rotation is gradually changing, and it’s because of this that the event, i.e., the reoccurrence of the Sun in the Capricornus, is going to happen again the in around 24000 years.

Wrapping Up

That was all you need to know about the Tropic of Capricorn and interesting facts about it. Hope you find this brief yet informative article helpful! Stay tuned for more interesting pieces of information!