In which one of the following Indian cities can the Sun never be directly overhead at noon?

Introduction / Context:

This question tests understanding of Earth's geometry, specifically the concept of the tropics and how the Sun's apparent position in the sky changes with latitude. At local noon, the Sun can be directly overhead only between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn. Cities outside this tropical belt never experience the Sun exactly at the zenith. Knowing which Indian cities lie within or outside the tropics is an important part of physical geography and astronomy related general knowledge.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The cities listed are Delhi, Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Visakhapatnam.
• The Tropic of Cancer is at about 23.5 degrees north latitude.
• For the Sun to be directly overhead, a city must lie between 23.5 degrees north and 23.5 degrees south.
• We assume approximate latitudes: Delhi is around 28 to 29 degrees north, while the other three cities lie south of the Tropic of Cancer.

Concept / Approach:

The main concept is that the Sun's vertical rays migrate between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn over the year. Any location outside this belt will never receive overhead Sun at noon. Delhi is located to the north of the Tropic of Cancer, while Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Visakhapatnam are all south of that line and therefore lie within the tropics. As a result, Delhi can never have the Sun directly overhead, whereas the other three cities can experience vertical rays on appropriate dates.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:

Verification can be done by consulting a map that shows latitude lines. The Tropic of Cancer passes through states such as Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and West Bengal. Delhi lies north of this line. City latitude tables also confirm that Delhi is near 28 to 29 degrees north. Astronomy and geography texts emphasise that only places between 23.5 degrees north and 23.5 degrees south receive vertical Sun rays. Therefore, Delhi falls outside this zone, while Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Visakhapatnam are inside it.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

Common Pitfalls:

Students sometimes believe that only very southern cities are tropical and may incorrectly think that Mumbai or Visakhapatnam are too far north. Others misinterpret the phrase directly overhead and confuse it with simply having the Sun high in the sky. The key is to remember the strict latitudinal limits set by the Tropic of Cancer and Tropic of Capricorn. Any place beyond these limits, such as Delhi, will never see the Sun exactly at the zenith.

Final Answer:

The city where the Sun can never be directly overhead at noon is Delhi.