The spelling of the word "polar circles" is derived from the Latin word "circulus" meaning circle or ring. It represents the imaginary lines that run parallel to the Arctic and Antarctic circles on the Earth's surface. The pronunciation of "polar circles" is /ˈpəʊlə səːkəlz/. The first syllable is stressed, and both "polar" and "circles" end in a clear "s" sound. The vowel in the first syllable is pronounced as "o" and is followed by a short "u" sound in "lar."
Polar circles refer to two imaginary circles on the Earth's surface located at approximately 66.5 degrees north and south latitudes. These circles mark the points on the globe where the phenomenon of the polar day and polar night occur. In the Northern Hemisphere, the polar circle lies near the Arctic region, while in the Southern Hemisphere, it is situated close to the Antarctic region.
Due to the tilt of the Earth's rotational axis, the polar circles depict the furthest points from the poles that receive either 24 hours of continuous daylight or 24 hours of complete darkness, depending on the time of the year. During the summer solstice, when the tilt of the Earth leans towards the Sun, areas within the polar circles experience a period known as the polar day, where the Sun remains above the horizon for 24 hours, leading to continuous daylight. Conversely, during the winter solstice, when the tilt leans away from the Sun, the polar night occurs, where the Sun remains below the horizon for 24 hours, resulting in total darkness.
The position and movement of the polar circles change slightly over time due to the Earth's axial precession, a slow astronomical phenomenon. These changes are attributed to the gravitational forces exerted by the Moon and other celestial bodies on Earth's rotational axis.
The two parallels of latitude encircling the poles, each at a distance of about 23º 28-the north polar circle is called the artic circle, and the south the antarctic circle.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "polar" is derived from the Latin word "polus", meaning "end of an axis" or "pivot". It was borrowed from Greek, where it originated as "polos", also carrying the same meaning.
The term "circle" has its roots in the Latin word "circulus", which essentially means a round figure or a ring. It comes from the diminutive form of "circus", referring to a circular or oval-shaped space, particularly those used for games and races.
Combining these two words, "polar circles" refers to the two imaginary circles on Earth that mark the northernmost and southernmost points where the sun can be seen above or below the horizon for a full 24 hours. These circles are called the Arctic Circle in the northern hemisphere and the Antarctic Circle in the southern hemisphere.