It is the line that marks the theoretical halfway point between the equator and the South Pole. The true halfway point is 16.2 km (10.1 mi) south of this parallel because Earth is not a perfect sphere, but bulges at the equator and is flattened at the poles.[1]
At this latitude, daytime lasts for 15 hours, 37 minutes during the December solstice and 8 hours, 46 minutes during the June solstice for the dates in 2024.[2] This holds true regardless of longitude. The midday Sun stands 21.17° above the southern horizon at the December solstice, 68.83° at the June solstice, and exactly 45.0° at either equinox.
Around the world
Starting at the Prime Meridian and heading eastwards, the parallel 45° south passes through: