Subsolar point facts for kids

The subsolar point is a special place on a planet where the sun appears to be directly overhead. Imagine standing on the Earth, and the sun is right above your head, shining straight down. That's the subsolar point! For planets like Earth that spin, this point is always moving. It travels around the globe once every day.

A basic diagram showing the location of the subsolar point on the Earth's surface. The angle between the sun and the local ground level is always 90° at the subsolar point.

What is the Subsolar Point?

The subsolar point is the exact spot on a planet's surface where the sun's rays hit at a perfect 90-degree angle. This means the sun is at its highest point in the sky, directly above you. At this spot, shadows are at their shortest, or even disappear completely, especially at noon.

How Does the Subsolar Point Move?

Because Earth spins, the subsolar point is always on the move. It travels from east to west, completing a full circle around the Earth every 24 hours. Think of it like a tiny spotlight moving across the planet's surface. This movement is why different parts of the world experience sunrise, noon, and sunset at different times.

Where Can You Find the Subsolar Point?

The subsolar point doesn't just move east to west; it also moves north and south throughout the year. This is because the Earth's axis is tilted. The subsolar point always stays between the Tropic of Cancer (about 23.5 degrees North latitude) and the Tropic of Capricorn (about 23.5 degrees South latitude).

Why Does it Move North and South?

The Earth's tilt causes the seasons. As the Earth orbits the sun, different parts of the planet get more direct sunlight.

• Around June 21st (the summer solstice in the Northern Hemisphere), the subsolar point is at the Tropic of Cancer.
• Around December 21st (the winter solstice in the Northern Hemisphere), it's at the Tropic of Capricorn.
• Around March 20th and September 22nd (the equinoxes), the subsolar point crosses the Equator.

Why is the Subsolar Point Important?

Understanding the subsolar point helps scientists and geographers in many ways.

• It helps explain why some areas are hotter than others. Places near the subsolar point get the most direct sunlight and are usually warmer.
• It's important for understanding climate and weather patterns.
• It helps us understand how the sun's energy is distributed across the Earth's surface.

See also

In Spanish: Punto subsolar para niños