Eduqo
Indian Geography›Ch 1: Earth & Universe›Earth: Motions, Latitudes & Longitudes
Master Rotation, Revolution, Time Zones and Coordinate Grid for Exams
Earth rotation causes day and night, while revolution combined with axis tilt creates seasons. Latitudes measure north-south position, and longitudes calculate time zones globally.
Memory Hooks & Tricks
| Latitude Name | Exact Angle | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Equator | 0° | Divides earth into two equal hemispheres |
| Tropic of Cancer | 23.5° N | Passes through middle of India |
| Tropic of Capricorn | 23.5° S | Marks southern boundary of tropics |
| Arctic Circle | 66.5° N | Northern frigid zone boundary |
Rotation
(West to East Spin)
West to East Spin
Earth rotates on its tilted axis every 24 hours.
Revolution
(Orbit Around Sun)
Orbit Around Sun
Completes one orbit in 365.25 days creating years.
Equinox
(Equal Days & Nights)
Equal Days & Nights
Sun shines directly on equator on March 21 and Sept 23.
Solstice
(Longest/Shortest Days)
Longest/Shortest Days
June 21 brings longest summer day in Northern Hemisphere.
Earth is closest to Sun in JulyEarth is closest on Jan 3 (Perihelion)
Aphelion (farthest) occurs in July; Perihelion (closest) occurs in January.
Longitudes are parallel linesLongitudes converge at poles
Latitudes are parallel, but longitudes meet at North and South poles.
IST passes through 4 statesIST passes through 5 states
UP, MP, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and Andhra Pradesh are the 5 states.
Q1.What is the time difference between Greenwich (0°) and Indian Standard Time (82.5° E)?
Q2.On which date does the Summer Solstice occur in the Northern Hemisphere?