Keerkringen, also known as tropics, are imaginary lines on the Earth’s surface that mark the northernmost and southernmost points where the sun is directly overhead at noon on the solstices. These lines are located at approximately 23.5 degrees north and south of the equator, and are known as the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn, respectively.
The word “keerkringen” comes from the Dutch language, where it translates to “turning circles.” This name is fitting, as the sun appears to “turn back” at these latitudes during the solstices, reversing its direction and beginning its journey back towards the opposite hemisphere.
The Tropic of Cancer is located at 23.5 degrees north of the equator, marking the northernmost point where the sun is directly overhead at noon on the summer solstice (around June 21st). This is the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, with the sun appearing at its highest point in the sky.
Conversely, the Tropic of Capricorn is located at 23.5 degrees south of the equator, marking the southernmost point where the sun is directly overhead at noon on the winter solstice (around December 21st). This is the shortest day of the year in the Southern Hemisphere, with the sun appearing at its lowest point in the sky.
These tropics play a crucial role in determining the climate and weather patterns of regions located within their boundaries. The area between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn, known as the tropics, experiences consistent warm temperatures and a high amount of sunlight throughout the year. This is due to the relatively high angle of the sun’s rays at these latitudes, leading to more direct and intense heating of the Earth’s surface.
Overall, the keerkringen serve as important markers of the Earth’s position in relation to the sun and play a significant role in shaping the global climate and seasons. Understanding these imaginary lines can help us better comprehend the natural rhythms and patterns of our planet.