tropic Either of two latitudes on Earth at which the Sun appears directly overhead at mid-summer and mid-winter. The Tropic of Cancer is the parallel of latitude 23° 27' north of the equator where the Sun lies in the zenith at the summer solstice, around June 22. The Tropic of Capricorn is the parallel of latitude 23° 27' south of the equator where the Sun lies in the zenith at the winter solstice, around December 22. Related category • CELESTIAL MECHANICS Also on this site: Encyclopedia of Alternative Energy & Sustainable Living Encyclopedia of History Transport Concepts & Designs (partner site) |