Question

When the Sun is overhead at noon at 18°N latitude the date is

A. November 13.
B. May 13.
C. January 28.
D. August 1.
E. B or D.

Answer 1

The Sun is overhead at noon at 18° N latitude on approximately May 13 and August 1, which means the correct answer is E. B or D.

Step-by-step explanation:

The student's question is related to the position of the Sun in the sky at different times of the year. When the Sun is directly overhead at noon at a particular latitude, it is known as the subsolar point. On June 21, known as the summer solstice, the Sun is directly overhead at the Tropic of Cancer (23° N latitude). However, the student's question refers to the latitude of 18° N. As the Earth orbits the Sun, the subsolar point moves between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn. The subsolar point is at 18° N before reaching the Tropic of Cancer on June 21 and again after passing the Tropic of Cancer (as it moves southward). This occurs approximately on May 13 and again around August 1. Therefore, the correct answer to the student's question is E. B or D, referring to May 13 and August 1.