Tropic of Cancer vs. Tropic of Capricorn — What's the Difference?

The Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn are two significant latitudinal lines on Earth's surface. The Tropic of Cancer, positioned at approximately 23.5°N latitude, marks the northernmost point where the sun directly shines overhead at noon during the summer solstice. In contrast, the Tropic of Capricorn, located at about 23.5°S latitude, indicates the southernmost location receiving direct sunlight overhead at noon, but during the winter solstice.

Both the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn derive their names from the zodiac signs. When the sun is directly over the Tropic of Cancer during the Northern Hemisphere's summer solstice, it enters the zodiac sign of Cancer. Similarly, when the sun is directly overhead the Tropic of Capricorn during the Southern Hemisphere's summer solstice, it is entering the zodiac sign of Capricorn.

These tropics play a crucial role in understanding Earth's climate zones. Areas between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn are often referred to as the tropics, characterized by generally warm weather year-round. The regions outside these latitudes, on the other hand, experience more significant temperature variations and distinct seasons.

Furthermore, while both tropics are equally distant from the equator, the Tropic of Cancer is in the Northern Hemisphere and crosses countries like Mexico, Egypt, and India. The Tropic of Capricorn, being in the Southern Hemisphere, traverses nations such as Australia, Brazil, and South Africa.