No Sun for 64 Days: The Unique Phenomenon of An American Town, Know Why?
Alaska's Utqiagvik remains without sunlight for 64 days each year, a natural occurrence caused by the Earth’s tilt. From November to January, the town endures polar nights, with extreme cold and darkness challenging its 5,000 residents. The phenomenon is balanced by three months of continuous daylight later in the year.
No Sun for 64 Days: Utqiagvik, Alaska's smallest town, has gone through an extraordinary phenomenon called polar night. From November 18, the sun set for the last time and will not appear again until January 22, that is, after 64 days. This town houses approximately 5,000 people and remains in dark due to its location on the Arctic Ocean, Alaska's North Slope.
The Earth's 23.5-degree axial tilt ensures that at some point in the year, the sun misses vast areas close to the North and South Poles, leading to lengthy night periods called polar nights. Artificial lighting although does not mean there is no artificial light whatsoever to illuminate the town during the day. However, it remains a challenge for residents as natural sunlight is not allowed due to extreme cold.
Probably at least as uncomfortable is the fact that, just as Utqiagvik only sees the sun twice a year, it only sees night for three continuous months from May to August. That's a distinct, very long cycle. The tilt and orbit of Earth establish such constants.
