Utqiagvik, Alaska begins its annual stretch without direct sunlight, a natural Arctic phenomenon lasting until late January.
The northernmost city in the United States, Utqiagvik (formerly Barrow), officially entered its annual polar night on Tuesday — the period when the sun does not rise above the horizon for several consecutive weeks.
According to official meteorological reports, the sun set for the last time at 1:38 p.m. on November 18, marking the start of approximately 65 days without direct sunlight. The sun will not fully rise again until January 22, 2026, when the long Arctic darkness comes to an end.
Despite the extended absence of sunlight, Utqiagvik will not remain in total darkness. Each day the region experiences civil twilight, a dim glow that brightens the sky for a few hours before fading back into night. Residents will also see moonlight and, at times, dramatic displays of the aurora borealis.
The polar night occurs due to the Earth’s axial tilt, which prevents sunlight from reaching areas above the Arctic Circle during winter. Utqiagvik sits at roughly 71° north latitude, making it one of the few places on Earth to experience this extreme seasonal phenomenon.
Home to roughly 4,400–5,000 people, many of them Iñupiat Alaska Natives, the community is well accustomed to the yearly cycle of light and darkness. The polar night influences everything from daily routines to cultural traditions, and residents have adapted over generations to its challenges and rhythms.
This natural event repeats every year between November and January, with Utqiagvik experiencing one of the longest polar nights in the United States.
