I'm finding that taking a lab class as an independent study is somewhat of a challenge. There was one question in my lab exercises that totally threw me off and I couldn't figure out the answer. The coolest thing happened, and last night I dreamt of the answer, illustrations and all. I find it pretty amazing that such a thing is possible. I did some research online to make sure the dream was right, and it was. It could just be that my mind was more open while sleeping, and so the answer just came, but regardless of how it worked, I think it's awesome. Now if only all my homework could be done while sleeping!!! Here's the question, just for fun:
What is the latitude of the tangent rays of the sun in the Northern Hemisphere on June 21st? In my dream, I was shown the Earth titled as it would be on the Summer Solstice, meaning the North Pole and Northern Hemisphere are tilted toward the sun. I saw the Circle of Illumination, which was at the far side of the Arctic Circle, because on this day, the entire area within the Arctic Circle is illuminated by the sun for 24 hours. So duh, the latitude of the tangent rays (just skimming the Earth) on the June Solstice is at the same latitude as the Arctic Circle, which is 66.5 degrees N, or 23.5 degrees to the far side of the North Pole.
What is the latitude of the tangent rays in the Southern Hemisphere on June 21st? Well, this would be the opposite of the Northern Hemisphere, since the Earth is tilted away from the Sun. It is thus winter there and the entire Antarctic Circle is receiving 24 hours of darkness. Thus the tangent rays hit the Antarctic Circle 23.5 degrees to the near side of the South Pole, leaving the entire circle in darkness. The latitude at the Antarctic Circle is 66.5 degrees South.
Now I realize what an easy question it actually was.
Why can't all my dreams be that straight forward when I'm seeking the answer to something? Ha!!
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