Sun Position Over Tropic of Capricorn Explained

The question asks about the consequences when the Sun is directly overhead the Tropic of Capricorn at noon. This specific astronomical event occurs during the Southern Hemisphere's summer solstice, typically around December 21st or 22nd.

Analyzing Earth's Conditions During Solstice

At this time, the Earth's axis tilt results in distinct conditions across different latitudes:

• The Southern Hemisphere is tilted towards the Sun, experiencing its longest day and shortest night.
• The Northern Hemisphere is tilted away from the Sun, experiencing its shortest day and longest night.
• The poles experience continuous daylight or darkness depending on their tilt relative to the Sun.

Evaluating the Options

Let's examine each option based on these conditions:

• Option 1:
  days and nights are of equal length in the Northern Hemisphere

  This is incorrect. Equal day and night lengths occur during equinoxes, not solstices. In the Northern Hemisphere, this solstice means the shortest day.

• Option 2:
  nights are longer than days in Southern Hemisphere

  This is incorrect. This period marks the Southern Hemisphere's summer solstice, characterized by the longest days and shortest nights.

• Option 3:
  days and nights are of equal length at the poles

  This is incorrect. The poles experience continuous daylight or darkness for extended periods around the solstices, not equal day and night.

• Option 4:
  night is equal to 24 hours at the North pole

  This is correct. When the Sun is overhead the Tropic of Capricorn, the Northern Hemisphere is maximally tilted away from the Sun. Consequently, the North Pole faces away from the Sun, resulting in 24 hours of continuous night (polar night).