Tropic of Cancer

English

Etymology

The Sun was in the constellation Cancer at the June solstice when it was named.

Proper noun

the Tropic of Cancer

  1. (geography) The parallel of latitude 23°26′ north of the equator, marking the northern boundary of the tropics; the sun is directly overhead at the June solstice.
    Synonym: Northern Tropic
    Coordinate term: Tropic of Capricorn

Usage notes

The position is not fixed, but constantly changes because of axial precession in the Earth's longitudinal alignment (precession of the equinoxes).

Translations