Utqiagvik, Alaska Faces 64 Days of Darkness: Here’s Why

Utqiagvik, Alaska, formerly known as Barrow, has entered a 64-day period of polar night, with its last sunrise occurring on November 18. During this time, the sun will remain below the horizon, casting the town into complete darkness for nearly two months.

The phenomenon occurs due to the Earth’s tilt on its axis, which causes areas like Utqiagvik, located at 71.17 degrees North latitude, to experience extended periods of darkness in winter and continuous daylight in summer. The town, situated about 330 miles above the Arctic Circle, is plunged into this unique phenomenon where the sun doesn’t rise for two months each year.

The polar night happens when the Arctic Circle is tilted away from the sun, leaving regions like Utqiagvik in perpetual darkness. Conversely, during the summer months, when the region tilts toward the sun, the town experiences the midnight sun, with 24 hours of daylight.