The U.S. National Weather Service has released a stunning timelapse video capturing a rare celestial event in Utqiagvik, Alaska. The footage shows the sun barely touching the snowy horizon before rising again, signaling the start of 84 uninterrupted days of daylight.
Broadcast by ABC News, the video captures the precise moment when the sun "set"—while remaining visible—at 1:48 a.m. this past Sunday, only to rise again just 69 minutes later at 2:57 a.m. From this point forward, the sun will not set in this northernmost U.S. city until August 2.
Utqiagvik, situated more than 300 miles north of the Arctic Circle at a latitude of 71°17'N, is home to approximately 4,500 people, primarily from the indigenous Iñupiat community.
The Phenomenon of Midnight Sun
Known as the Midnight Sun, this phenomenon occurs annually in Utqiagvik between May 10 and August 2. It is caused by Earth's axial tilt of 23.5 degrees, which during the Arctic summer prevents the sun from fully setting at latitudes above 66°33'N in the Arctic Circle.
The National Weather Service described the event: "The sun rose over the horizon at 2:57 a.m. and will not set for 84 consecutive days, until August 2."
Impact on Daily Life and Health
The sight of the sun barely grazing the snow before soaring back into the sky challenges conventional perceptions of day and night, explaining why the timelapse went viral on social media within hours.
Continuous daylight is not only a visual spectacle but also has documented impacts on residents’ health. Constant exposure suppresses melatonin production, the sleep hormone, leading to insomnia, fatigue, irritability, and disorientation. Studies indicate that between 30% and 50% of the local population experience sleep disturbances during this period.
A City with Deep Roots
Formerly known as Barrow until 2016, the city reclaimed its original Iñupiaq name, meaning "a place for gathering wild roots," through a local vote. The Iñupiat have inhabited the area for more than 1,500 years, historically using it as a hunting ground for whales, seals, and fishing.
The extreme cycle of light and darkness in Utqiagvik doesn’t end with the Midnight Sun. Its counterpart, Polar Night, occurs between November and January, when the sun doesn't rise for roughly 65 consecutive days, completing one of the planet's most extreme natural calendars.
Understanding the Midnight Sun and Its Effects
What causes the Midnight Sun in Utqiagvik, Alaska?
The Midnight Sun is caused by the tilt of Earth's axis, which during the Arctic summer prevents the sun from setting completely at latitudes above 66°33'N, such as Utqiagvik.
How does continuous daylight affect the residents of Utqiagvik?
Continuous daylight can suppress melatonin production, leading to sleep issues, fatigue, irritability, and disorientation. A significant portion of the population experiences sleep disruptions during this time.
What is the historical significance of Utqiagvik’s name?
Utqiagvik, meaning "a place for gathering wild roots" in Iñupiaq, reflects the city's rich indigenous heritage and its role as a traditional hunting and gathering site for the Iñupiat people.