Overview
- The National Weather Service in Fairbanks said Utqiagvik has begun its annual “midnight sun,” with the next sunset expected around August 2.
- Utqiagvik, a community of just over 4,000 near 71° north on the Arctic Ocean, now faces about 84 straight days of daylight.
- The phenomenon occurs near the Arctic Circle because Earth’s 23.5-degree tilt points the Northern Hemisphere toward the Sun in summer.
- Farther south in Fairbanks, residents do not get 24-hour sun but see about 70 days with very long light and lasting twilight.
- Continuous light can disrupt sleep and mood, so many households use blackout curtains and keep firm sleep schedules.