What Are the Arctic Circle and the Antarctic Circle?

What Crafty Clover says in this video

Intro

Hi there, curious minds! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. What are the Arctic Circle and the Antarctic Circle?

The Big Idea

The Arctic Circle and the Antarctic Circle are imaginary lines around Earth, about 66.5 degrees north and south of the equator! Inside them, the Sun behaves in a special way. Let's circle in.

Imaginary Lines

Step one: imaginary lines. You cannot see these circles on the ground, but mapmakers draw them on globes. One is near the top of the world and one is near the bottom.

Special Sun

Step two: the special Sun. Inside each circle, the Sun stays above the horizon for at least one full day in summer. In winter, it stays below the horizon for at least one full day.

Earth's Tilt

Step three: Earth's tilt. Earth leans about 23.5 degrees as it circles the Sun. That lean is what makes the polar circles.

A Closer Look

Let's take a closer look! There is one circle in the north and one in the south. In summer, the Sun may stay up at midnight. The farther toward the pole you go, the longer the dark winter lasts. All of it comes from Earth's tilt.

Quick Facts

Quick facts! The lines are at about 66.5 degrees north and south. Earth's tilt is about 23.5 degrees. Together, those two numbers add up to 90. Explore globes with a grown-up.

Think Like a Scientist

Now, think like a scientist! Find the Arctic Circle on a globe. Which countries does it cross? Draw a ring on a ball with a marker to model it. Show a friend where the Sun stays up all day!

Outro

The polar circles are imaginary lines made by Earth's tilt. Science is amazing! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!