Bite-sized knowledge
to upgrade
your career

Ideas from books, articles & podcasts.

The Naming of The Tropics

The Tropic of Cancer. It was so named 2000 years ago because the sun was positioned in the Cancer constellation during the June solstice.
The Tropic of Capricorn. It was so named at the time because the sun was in the constellation Capricorn during the December solstice.

The sun is no longer in those constellations at that time of year. The sun is now in Taurus at the June solstice, and in Sagittarius at the December solstice.

STASHED IN:

@iceicegrama

created an idea from a article:

THOUGHTCO

How the Tropics Got Their Names

thoughtco.com

MORE IDEAS FROM THE SAME ARTICLE

The Major Circles of Latitude

Latitude and longitude are used as addresses for every part of the world. On maps, latitude lines are horizontal, and longitude lines are vertical.

Living in the Torrid Zone

The geographical zone between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn is known as the Torrid Zone - also commonly known as the tropics.

Why the Tropics Are Important

The Tropics are places within the hemisphere where the sun can be directly overhead.
This was essential for ancient travelers who used the sun and stars to guide their way.
The Tropic of Capricorn can be found at latitude 23.5 degrees south, and the Tropic of Cancer at ...