Tropic of Capricorn

English

Etymology

The Sun was in the constellation Capricorn at the December solstice when it was named.

Proper noun

the Tropic of Capricorn

  1. (geography) The parallel of latitude 23°26′ south of the equator, marking the southern boundary of the tropics; the sun is directly overhead at the December solstice.
    Synonym: Southern Tropic
    Coordinate term: Tropic of Cancer

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