Polar Night Begins in America’s Northernmost Town
Utqiagvik, Alaska, the northernmost town in the United States, has officially entered its annual “polar night.” This natural phenomenon brings roughly 65 days without direct sunlight. The sun set on November 18 and will not rise again until January 22, 2026. Residents will experience continuous twilight and extended darkness during this period.
The Science Behind Polar Night
The polar night occurs due to the Earth’s axial tilt, also known as obliquity. This tilt is the angle between Earth’s rotational axis and its orbital plane, measuring approximately 23.5 degrees. The axial tilt is responsible for the changing seasons and influences how sunlight reaches different regions throughout the year.
During winter, the Northern Hemisphere tilts away from the sun. For communities located far north, like Utqiagvik, the sun does not cross the horizon, creating weeks of darkness. Without this tilt, seasonal changes would be much less pronounced, or might not exist at all.
Life in Perpetual Twilight
During this period, residents rely on artificial lighting and adjust daily routines to cope with the extended darkness. The polar night is a unique feature of Arctic life, shaping local culture, activities, and traditions. Despite the lack of sunlight, Utqiagvik remains active, with communities adapting to this extreme natural cycle each year.
