Which circle lies at approximately 66.5 degrees North?

Which circle lies at approximately 66.5 degrees North?

• A. Tropic of Cancer
• B. Tropic of Capricorn
• C. Arctic Circle
• D. Antarctic Circle

Answer: (C)

This question tests your understanding of the major circles of latitude and how Earth’s tilt creates those boundary lines. The Earth is tilted about 23.5 degrees relative to its orbit, which places the polar circles at roughly 90 minus 23.5, or about 66.5 degrees from the equator. The circle at about 66.5 degrees north is the Arctic Circle, marking the northern boundary where polar daylight and darkness occur during the year. The southern counterpart sits at 66.5 degrees south, the Antarctic Circle. The Tropic of Cancer and Tropic of Capricorn lie much closer to the equator, around 23.5 degrees north and south, respectively, and are not near 66.5 degrees. So the circle at approximately 66.5 degrees north is the Arctic Circle.

This question tests your understanding of the major circles of latitude and how Earth’s tilt creates those boundary lines. The Earth is tilted about 23.5 degrees relative to its orbit, which places the polar circles at roughly 90 minus 23.5, or about 66.5 degrees from the equator. The circle at about 66.5 degrees north is the Arctic Circle, marking the northern boundary where polar daylight and darkness occur during the year. The southern counterpart sits at 66.5 degrees south, the Antarctic Circle. The Tropic of Cancer and Tropic of Capricorn lie much closer to the equator, around 23.5 degrees north and south, respectively, and are not near 66.5 degrees. So the circle at approximately 66.5 degrees north is the Arctic Circle.