On June 21 every year, which of the following latitude(s) experience(s) a sunlight of more than 12 hours?

1. Equator

2. Tropic of Cancer

3. Tropic of Capricorn

4. Arctic Circle

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

The correct answer is 2 and 4 (Option: 2 and 4).

On June 21, the Earth experiences the Summer Solstice in the Northern Hemisphere. During this time, the Northern Hemisphere is tilted directly toward the Sun, resulting in the Sun being directly overhead at the Tropic of Cancer (23.5° N latitude). This tilt causes longer day lengths (more than 12 hours of sunlight) for all locations in the Northern Hemisphere, while the Southern Hemisphere experiences its Winter Solstice with shorter days (less than 12 hours of sunlight).

Let's analyze each of the given latitudes on June 21:

1. Equator (0° latitude):
The Equator receives approximately 12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of darkness throughout the entire year, regardless of the Earth's tilt. Thus, it does not experience more than 12 hours of sunlight.

2. Tropic of Cancer (23.5° N latitude):
Since the Northern Hemisphere is tilted toward the Sun and the Sun's rays are directly perpendicular to the Tropic of Cancer on this day, locations on and near this latitude experience their longest day of the year, which is significantly more than 12 hours of sunlight (approximately 13.5 hours).

3. Tropic of Capricorn (23.5° S latitude):
Located in the Southern Hemisphere, this region is tilted away from the Sun on June 21. As a result, it experiences its shortest day of the year, receiving less than 12 hours of sunlight (approximately 10.5 hours).

4. Arctic Circle (66.5° N latitude):
Because of the maximum tilt of the Northern Hemisphere toward the Sun, the entire region north of the Arctic Circle (66.5° N to 90° N) is fully illuminated by the Sun for a continuous 24-hour period. This phenomenon is known as the "Midnight Sun," meaning it receives a full 24 hours of sunlight, which is well over 12 hours.

Therefore, both the Tropic of Cancer (2) and the Arctic Circle (4) experience more than 12 hours of sunlight on June 21.