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Remember your astronomy (in ancient times, astrology was the same thing). The
sun is in the sign of Cancer at mid-summer, when it is overhead the "Tropic of
Cancer". At mid-winter the sun is in Capricorn, overhead that "tropic" line.
As I recall, Augustus was a Capricorn, Not surprising that he'd popularize the
usage of the name.
Red Henry
(An impecunious antiquarian)
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----- Original Message -----
From: [email protected]
To: History of Maps
Sent: Sunday, April 24, 2011 12:03 PM
Subject: [MapHist] Tropic of Cancer and of Capricocrn
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In my class I was asked when the tropics of Cancer and Capricorn were
identified as two of the five great circles around the earth. Wikipedia has
failed me on the question. Surely these go back before the
Greeks who named them. I would like to impress my students with an answer and
would appreciate whatever you can give me.
The next one will probably be the equinoctial line. (Sigh!)
Tom Goodrich
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MapHist: E-mail discussion group on the history of cartography
hosted by the Faculty of Geosciences, University of Utrecht.
The statements and opinions expressed in this message are those of
the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the University of
Utrecht. The University of Utrecht does not take any responsibility for
the views of the author.
List Information: http://www.maphist.nl
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